Just because you know what your values and goals are doesn’t mean that you feel the confidence you need to put it all into place. Confidence comes with having the right tools in your “parenting toolbox”, practice, and a willingness to refine your methods over time and as needs change.
It takes time to build confidence in your parenting. When you have a new baby, it seems like you get a routine, you start feeling great and then things change and you have to revamp what made sense. The good news is that as your kids get older, the stages last longer, so at least as you are honing your strategies, the techniques work for a longer period of time.
Here’s the less fun part-the issues get harder. Different life stages for your kids bring different developmental highs and lows. Example – two year olds – most can finally walk and talk and are more independent, but they have no impulse control and lots of drive to get what they need. They want ultimate control and this is where you can end up with lots of tantrums! As your kids get to be tweens and teens, they are trying to figure out who they are separate from you, more subject to peer pressure etc.
So, as your kids grow and change, it becomes harder to influence their behavior. When they push your buttons, it is easy to lose confidence in yourself.
If you are struggling with this, it could be a good time to have a consultation with me to figure out what needs to be re-tooled. Get some new strategies and regain your confidence! Use the blocks below to book that consult or send me an email. I’m happy to help you get back (or develop) your parenting mojo!
