01/26/2025
These are some questions that parents always ask themselves, including myself.
However, is there a correct answer? No, or every answer is both wrong and accurate at the same time.
As a parent and therapist, I always want to focus on what our duties are as parents and what they are not. I believe parents need to protect their kids during development while also helping them become independent. How? By providing food, clothing, and books (please let your kids read books and develop a critical mind!). The rest are privileges, including the time spent with other people.
This means that they must earn them.
It means that if they don’t deserve them because of their behavior, they cannot access them.
This is a way to teach your kids to be respectful of what they receive and of the people they spend time with because they learn that it’s not something to be taken for granted. They can really appreciate the value!
We are not our kids’ waitstaff. Never forget to take at least 10 minutes for yourself every day, even though the kids are around. They will survive—don’t worry…
