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John Rosemond - Parenting Expert |
John Rosemond is America's most widely-read parenting authority! He is a best-selling author, columnist, speaker, and family psychologist. Index | Archives | About John Rosemond | Books | Submit A Question |
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Coping with a clingy child; a solution for sibling battles Q: Our family just moved to a new city and my 2 and 1/2 year old son won’t do anything during the day but follow me around. If I give him something to play with while I unpack boxes, he ignores what I’ve given him and starts messing with things he knows he’s not supposed to touch, like my computer. If I move from one room to another, he moves with me, asking me question after question or getting into everything. Should I try some form of punishment or just cater to his clinginess for the time being?
Q: After school has become a nightmare in my house. My 7-year-old and 5-year-old fight non stop from the moment I get them from school. They fight in the car all the way home, and they fight all day and through the evening. I’ve tried everything! Do you have any suggestions for me before I go STARK RAVING MAD (if I haven't already)? The next time you pick the kids up from school, and they start fighting
and bickering and acting like little sociopaths, say nothing. Just
drive home while whistling maniacally to yourself. When you get home,
take one by the hand and take him to his room. Say nothing more than
“This is where you are spending the rest of the day. I’m
even going to serve you your dinner in here. Oh, and you are going
to bed, lights out, at 7:30." Then do the same with the other
child. When they ask "WHYYYYYYYY????" just smile and say,
"I'm solving MY problem; I hope you solve yours." Say no
more. I guarantee they will figure it out within minutes. They may
act confused, but they will not be confused in the least. The next day, I predict that they will be as good as gold in the car. Shortly after you all arrive home, the “fun” will begin. As soon as it does, put them in their respective rooms for the remainder of the day with lights out at 7:30. It’s essential that you do this with no warnings, threats, or second chances. If you start warning, etcetera, you will begin to feel the anxiety goblins awakening in your body and you won’t be able to maintain your cool, which is essential to the success of this plan. Repeat this procedure as often as necessary over the next two weeks, and I will be so bold as to say your problem will be solved. If it ever begins to rear its ugly head again, however, nip it in the bud with the same cool-headed action. |
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