Gentle parenting and talking

[littleraysofsunshine]

I always try to do gentle parenting and I believe we do this. Just moments where I think how I could mange something a bit better for example:

I have three under four and a half. The eldest two 4.5/3 can have those days like any kid where they will not listen unless I eventually end up shouting.

I hate this, as they end up either mimicking me or just feeling the stress from it as do I.

They shouldn't just liste if I shout.

I usually try the calm option a couple of times then fail at his when they do the opposite or just refuse. I keep patience but then it results in me feeling cross and raising my tone.

How do you deal in this situation?

I can recommend a book, called "The secret of happy children" by Steve Biddulph. It has some really effective methods. I haven't read it for years but I will never forget the soft "no". He said children have excellent hearing, try opening a sweet wrapper from a distance, they will hear! So when they ask for something say no softly, they will hear!

If it is time for lunch, you could say, do X, then we will eat. Also sometimes I used to just walk away, to give myself a moment to think if it really mattered.

Quiet parenting, has benefits for the parent too doesn't it, I found life far more relaxing if I was calm too.