stop doing is only half of discipline, and ending it there leaves things unclear.
It’s like putting up the “road closed” sign without detour arrow.
If we don’t show them where to go from there, it’s not likely they’ll go in the
direction we want them to go. They may, instead, find their own new path
to the destination they’re trying to get to, which is almost always getting a
need met. Alternatively, they may crash through the sign and keep on going
if the boundary isn’t firm and held consistently. If we are both consistent in
saying “you may not go that way” and clear in saying “here’s the better way
to go,” parenthood gets easier because it isn’t an all-day marathon of power
struggles.
Lean on your village.
We aren’t meant to do this thing alone, and yet I’ve heard many parents
say how lonely they feel every day. Without support, parenthood can be too
overwhelming. You may have to intentionally create a village by seeking
other parents in your area who share in your beliefs and goals, or you may
already have a village that you’ve just lost touch with.
Sacrificing our own mental and physical well-being doesn’t make us better
parents. Find support. You may never get a nap, but if you have people to
talk to, people who will really listen, it makes parenthood a little easier.
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