Consistency is Key
Posted: June 22, 2025
Consistency is Key
Your child needs to know that you're a steady presence in their life, no matter what. Consistency means being patient, connected, adaptable, and engaging all the time, so your child knows what to expect from you and you know what to expect from them. Here are some tips for achieving parental consistency:
- Stay steady: Don't let your reactions to your child's mistakes or tantrums vary from day to day. Instead, strive for a consistent approach that helps your child learn and grow.
- Be predictable: Avoid being inconsistent, like yelling one day and being patient the next. This creates confusion and makes it hard for your child to know what to expect.
- Keep your moods in check: Don't let your emotions dictate how you respond to your child. Your child shouldn't have to tiptoe around your moods or try to read your mind.
- Show your child they can rely on you: Consistency helps your child trust that you'll always be there to help, teach, and motivate them.
- Don't be a "lawnmower parent": Avoid doing everything for your child or fixing all their mistakes. This may seem consistent, but it's not healthy. Instead, strive to be connected, fair, attentive, patient, and adaptable.
Take a moment to reflect on how you typically react to different situations with your child. Do you stay calm under pressure, or do you lose your cool? Aim to be as consistent and reliable as possible, and your child will learn to be consistent and reliable with you too.