What is with people that think they can interfere in other peoples parenting?? Its not like you were giving him the strap like she probably did in her day.
In regards to your question, I think I an as strict my kids the same, but sometimes come down harder on my first because she should know better IYKWIM. She is 8, DS is 3.
You know the times that I stop and chat with the older lot (and likely telling ds off for being rude), is that so many of them make a point in saying "they are only little once, it's ok" if I look embarrassed. I like to take it on board though, they might know what they are talking about...!
I do that with my DS and he's the eldest (and only). Doesn't sound harsh to me!
From seeing other parents through my entire life, the youngest always gets their own way and the eldest is expected to shoulder more responsibilty because they "should know better" - irrespective of the fact the younger child should have known better for years! (Bitter oldest child side coming out!)
But I have seen the oldest child having chores from age 7... fast forward 7 years, the oldest child is expected to do chores but the youngest, now 10, doesn't lift a finger still.
Wow Ryn, I must be an absolute cow because DS1 has "chores" already (according to some friends of mine). They are just basic stuff like helping keep his room tidy, putting away toys, helping me pack the forks/spoons in the dishwasher etc. They are not really chores to me as he is a part of the family so should help out. He actually volunteers for them and gets upset if I start without him.
I think I was the same with DS1 as I am with DS2. DS2 is only young so the discipline hasn't really started yet as he does not get into things he shouldn't etc.
I was much stricter on my first child, I have got more relaxed over the years and as Lulu says stopped sweating the small stuff. I think too cause mine are so far apart I am just more tired LOL
Bit of both here I think. I think sometimes we forget DD is younger and expect a bit more of her than we did of DS at her age. But then like Lulu said, you relax somewhat with knowing how to choose your battles a bit more, so could seem more lax with the 2nd.
I"m the same with all of them. I do expect a fair bit more responsibility from DS1 though, being the eldest and all, but hes the type of kid where you don't need to be on his back all the time kwim? the girls are different, They need to be kept in line or otherwise they can get pretty slack at stuff - like every two days I make them do a quick tidy up of their room cause otherwise if I don't it will end up looking like a tip. Obviously DS2 is too little yet to worry about too much, just as it were for the older 3 when they were the same age, but telling them from the very start that xyz isn't OK, or we don't do this or that helps reinforce that for when they are older, as it is easier to get them used to family rules from the outset than try to do it when they are older and are pretty used to getting away with it kwim?
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