Your Family Balance
Balance in a family often relies on you as parents listening to and acknowledging your children - and, no, it doesn't mean your children will rule you! On the contrary. Babies and children know who they are and what they feel, and listening, then deciding how to respond, taking into account your own needs, is a good route towards balance. Your children will feel great when they are part of the conversation, and their message is understood.
Sometimes you may ask, how can you take charge without being overly controlling? It begins with listening: to your children and other family members, but also to yourself, to what you are thinking and feeling. This is a great place to start. Talking through your observations with your partner, if you are still together, or with a good friend or relative, is the next step towards getting clear. Developing the skills to set boundaries and listen is a key element of Babiesknow courses.
While it's important to listen to your child, and to follow her needs when you can, it is not always appropriate or possible to prioritise your child above everyone else.
Take Sarah as an example. She had been hands on with her baby for weeks and was becoming increasingly tired and grumpy, so it was difficult for her to be with her baby in a loving and supportive way. In fact, resentment was building up. In this case, Sarah's needs took priority - she needed time out. It was her responsibility, shared with her partner, to allow this to happen by arranging for someone else to be with their baby for a while. This made a lot of difference and when Sarah returned, refreshed, everyone was happier.
Sibling Rivalry
‘It’s your fault’ ‘No it’s your fault.’
Mum ... he said it first.’ ‘No he said it first.’
‘Muuuummmmmm ....’
You probably know how it goes. Your children are battling with one another and there’s no logic to the situation. They’re in a stalemate and there may well be no clear ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. It’s typical sibling rivalry.
A certain amount of sibling rivalry is normal and it’s necessary for your children’s development. The challenge for you, as a parent, is to know how to deal with it; and feel equipped to cope in each new situation. If you'd like to know more, and get some tips from Kitty, download the pdf at the bottom of this page.
 sibling rivalry babiesknow.pdf | Sibling Rivalry: Why does it happen, and what can you do? |