If you’re already sick of the bickering, we feel you.
Since school let out a month ago, they have indeed been challenged to fill the downtime.
What I havent loved so much?
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Sure, my five kids fight a fair amount during the school year (theyre normal kids!
), but the summer seems to have turned up the intensity (and volume) of their bickering.
Meanwhile, nothing Im doing to restore peace in our home seems to be working.
Threats of no ice cream after dinner, or taking away devices fall flat.
When summer break begins, it is tempting to create a super relaxed environment for children, she tellsParents.
However, children thrive under structure and a daily schedule, which they receive when they are at school.
Furthermore, kids are surrounded by same-aged peers and receive daily intellectual and physical stimulation.
Dr. ODonnell also explains that whenscreen timereplaces learning and socialization, kids may act differently.
Either way, are we as parents getting it wrong when it comes to summer discipline strategies?
Chief among ineffective disciplinary measures?
Losing your temper, and leveling empty threats against your battling brood.
Yellingcan be particularly harmful, as its linked to anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem in children.
Meanwhile, Dr. Perryman points out that not clearly setting and reinforcing expectations sets families up for disaster.
Oftentimes, we wait until we are frustrated or fed up to deliver consequences, she relatably says.
At the same time, we do not alwaysreward good behaviorconsistently.
Well, me too.
To that end,Gigi Schweikert, CEO ofLightbridge Academy, says, Self-regulation is important.
Manage your own stress and reactions to model calm and composed behavior in front of your children.
Also, remember to take breaks when conflicts escalate.
The other advice I heard a lot?
Indeed,back-to-school timewill be here before we know it!
At least, thats what Im telling myself!
