What changes have you made to make you a better parent?

[Epacris]

One big thing I think I do as a parent now much better than when I started is food. We are completely hands off, there is no conflict over food, our children all feed themselves (even DS2) completely independently. I keep having to say “It’s our job to offer them food, it’s their job to eat it”. DH and I model good eating behaviour, we eat healthy food, we don’t fill up on liquids (like juice or milk, except BM for DS2 of course). We all eat together at the dining table, they don’t have to eat their dinner but they do need to sit with us and make conversation and there isn’t any other food options. We are totally crap with sleep, sleep is all over the place for all of us but I think we do food well. For me, I can cope with the sleep issues because we don’t have food issues.

Just one other thing WRT tantrums, I read it recently here on BB but I can’t remember who said it (my apologies), “tantrums are not a sign of defiance, they are a sign of distress”. This has really helped me show and have compassion at in a situation where I really struggle.

[Beach Mama]

Sometimes we blame our kids too much for their behaviour when often they feed off our own temper and patience levels.

Preach it sister.

Whenever my anxiety and stress levels are raised, the kids are off as well. Direct correlation to both and it can be a vicious circle. I have made the decision to slow down, to not race around not matter how late I am running, to not rush the kids to the shop, to keep them at home and in a rhythm as much, as I sometimes need to get out, because it makes a huge difference to all of us.

Setting a good example is really important too, so I apologise all the time if MY behaviour is inappropriate, if I snap or yell or get grumpy so they can see it's ok to have emotion but you also have to be accountable for your actions.

[Lady-bug]

Setting a good example is really important too, so I apologise all the time if MY behaviour is inappropriate, if I snap or yell or get grumpy so they can see it's ok to have emotion but you also have to be accountable for your actions.

This is exactly what I needed to be reminded of, thanks Tan!