I love this piece from Anna Maxted in the Guardian today about calling in the parenting pros for lessons in professional parenting. I’m a firm believer in reflective listening and building self-esteem rather than punitive discipline but it’s not always easy, or even possible, when presented by a recalcitrant seven year old or a three year old in the middle of the mother of all strops. So I nearly snorted my tea when I read her attempts at respecting her children’s wishes, which could be a scene from my own household:
Next morning, fighting erupts over the Lego. I flap like a novice war reporter: “Oscar is trying to help Caspar build. How annoying when he doesn’t appreciate your kindness – Caspar! So hard to share, it makes you cross – Conrad is very patient, waiting his turn … ”
I’m sick of my own voice. The boys can’t hear me; two are crying at siren-pitch, the third has stormed upstairs.
