There are few things more important to positive parenting then consistency. You can have great ideas or plans but unless you follow through, you aren't likely to get the desired results. Don't say it unless you mean it and don't make a threat you aren't willing to keep.
I always want my kids to eat everything on their plate and to at least try new foods before rejecting them. I also don't like having an argument over dinner and/or dessert. In my house for meal time there are two options, you eat everything and you get a treat or you don't finish your meal and you don't get a treat. I rarely make them eat something if they don't like it then they won't get a large amount on their plate.
The kids have a box where they store all the candy and treats they get for holidays and after they have completed dinner they get to sift through it and pick a treat or have something homemade if it's an option (once in a while I actually bake!!). I've had this rule since before B was born and it's been a long time since this was an issue. There is the odd time when my son who is a very slow eater just gives up and decides he doesn't want a treat. Or on the other end of the spectrum there's my daughter who will sit at the table and shake while eating to show her distaste but gets through it to earn her treat.
There's also been times that one doesn't earn a treat and the other one does...mainly B is on the losing end. The worst was when Easter marshmallow sugar concoctions on a stick were the treat and Bryce just didn't want to eat. I explained that if he didn't finish the dinner he wouldn't be getting his treat and he sat there while A got to eat hers. He was upset but the next day when it came time to eat he was the first done and earned his treat.
I think that one sticks out the most for me as this is the night the light when on for B.
B: Mommy, I ate all my food so I get the bunny, right?
Mommy: Yes, you ate it all so you get a treat!
B: I will eat every dinner now!
Not that he was telling the truth as there's still days when one of them doesn't finish but at least it's not a drawn out fight with tears or shouting. It's just a simple matter of one of them bringing their plate to mommy and saying they don't want a treat anyways, they know it will be there tomorrow!
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Do you have a parenting story involving consistency working for you?
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