How well behaved is your child?

[TalkToTheHand123]

I thought I was doing ok but thinking about it, I'm not so sure. I use a lot of bribing and threats for this 5 year old girl, rather than a firm "Can you do X" as this never works without it.

I don't know if it's just her personality as she's not a nasty person usually (she's nice and polite to other children), just works her ticket when it's time to do something like get ready or go to bed.

Or is bribery and threats common?

[WheelieBinPrincess]

When you say threats, what do you mean?

[HPandTheNeverEndingBedtime]

Depends on the child and family dynamic. It's jus and DD and she has always been extremely we behaved and hates doing things wrong or breaking rules. The more people in the family to give mixed messages ( parents), or to influence or wind up the child (siblings) the worse behaviour is I expect.

[HPandTheNeverEndingBedtime]

*just me and Dd

[Justasecondnow]

We parent via bribes and threats at times - ie. do this get A, or if you do that consequence B. Stuff like extra screen time restrictions or we’ll let you pick what’s for dinner or what have you. We do try and also encourage good behaviour for good behaviours sake - ie. recognising Mum & Dad are people too & require some cooperation and we’ll all be happier. Work in progress though.

We have good kids but they really can push their luck at times. Part of growing up I think.

[TalkToTheHand123]

Threats are turning screen device off / not going to a party.

Must admit my parents are a noticably big hindrance lately. Mainly my dad. (Ie the one who would smack my behind for being cheeky) telling me not to use the naughty step with her when I stay over and she's being very naughty. I'm having to cut down the time we all spend together due to this which is a shame.

[Tigerteafor3]

DD (4) usually does as she's told. She occasionally needs a pointed look and an "ahem" and also has tantrums. Yesterday she cried for a good 15 mins because she wanted tv after her bath. We acknowledged she was upset and once she was in pjs sat her in her room to calm down. We explained why what she did was wrong and there was a consequence. Cuddles and apologies and all fine.

[TalkToTheHand123]

The little catch up sleep after gym seemed to keep me calm during the bedtime routine as I decided to take a step back and allowed my parents to argue it out over the best way to get my 5 year old daughter to sleep.

My mam gave up after my daughter refused to go to her bedroom and left it to my dad. Somehow he managed to get her upstairs but was nearly asleep himself when my daughter nodded off about half ten after a good few stories.

I do agree it could be down to dynamics. I think also I should have been more strict. I would have been if I'd known she would end up so defiant, but it doesn't help when I'm told I'm being too harsh when I go to implement a time out.

Not sure whether to do it my way and get the criticism or leave my parents to struggle and do it their way.