Matters of habit. If you are going to change the rules, tell your child what you are doing and why. Parents who explicitly announce, “Things Are Changing As Of Today,” then enforce the new rules and are not cowed when their child yells, “You are totally ruining my life—I hate you!” are surprised by how dramatic the change is. Not in one day. Not in one week. But after six weeks of consistent enforcement of the rules, your child will be more pleasant, and more respectful of you and of other adults. And both of you will be enjoying life more.
