It became quite apparent to me this morning that kids really do thrive with routine.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that it should be so rigid that the kid doesn't have any so-called wiggle room. I should be clearly adjusted to the kid's age and ability. Still the routine needs to be an expected part of daily life with in the home.
I would have never believed the next thing I'm about to say unless I had seen it for myself; kids actually enjoy and will make a game of the routine. That's exactly what happened this morning.
Kids have told me in therapy sessions that they actually WANT their parents to create rules for them, to pay attention to them if they screw up and to shape them to be better people.
Remember, them testing their boundaries with you is really just a test of your love... Did you pass?
I'm rooting for you,
~Eric
Eric McClellan, MA, LMFT is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Treehouse Psychology in North Oaks. He can be reached at emcclellan@treehousepsychology.com or 651-200-3788.
