My soon to be 6 year old. Since she was born I’ve been into/ trying to ‘gentle’ parent to an extent. Until now I found it worked for us. I felt like she always done as requested and very rarely had tantrums. UNTIL NOW! Every thing that she needs to do herself she flat refuses. Getting dressed, eating breakfast, leaving the house, brushing teeth, going to bed. It’s just plain ‘I don’t want to, it’s not fair, no.’ Along with screaming and crying when told further. I must add that it’s not every thing every time. She will usually refuse something once or twice a day but she really throws huge tantrums.
Toyay she literally climbed into a cupboard and said no. She went absolutely bananas and even hit me when I continued to ask her to do as she’s told. I do all the things like explain why, speak nicely etc. I’ve had long chats with her about how she feels and why it could be but there doesn’t seem to be anything. But at this point I’m like ok, gentle parenting only works to an extent. Yesterday we didn’t go out because she refuses to get dressed. I’m quite sick of this approach to parenting now, the ‘oh you must respect their wishes and autonomy etc’ they’re not adults and need basic guidance. How the hell am I supposed to leave the house without physically forcing her to dress?!
I’m done!