A psychotherapist has shared five things that she is strict about as a parent.
As parents, we all have our own household rules, some we are more strict about than others. While some households limit screentime, others have very strict bedtimes, and some ensure that everyone has dinner together every night or a walk before bed.
Psychoterapist and mum-of-three Jess, who shares useful parenting information and resources for parents on Instagram, has shared five things that she is ‘strict’ about in her home.
Her rules certainly seem balanced and would be a very helpful guide for parents who are unsure how to approach some of these topics.
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Things this psychotherapist is strict about in her home
- Screens – while Jess does allow some television, social media and YouTube are banned in her house.
- Food – only one meal is made in her household. If a child doesn’t like it, an alternative is offered (porridge), which is a little controversial and something lots of families try to avoid.
- Bedtime – Jess’ family has a consistent bedtime, and no cosleeping, as there isn’t room in the bed. However, she did acknowledge that if they are too tired to implement this, a little bed swapping may happen!
- Being mean or unkind – While the therapist says that you can always ‘be honest’ in her home, you can’t be mean or rude.
- Bedrooms – Jess teaches her kids that their bedroom is their ‘safe space’ and they get to choose if they want their friends in it or not and if friends are there, the door must stay open. She adds that if a child needs alone time but shares a room, they will ‘make that work’.
‘Everyone has a “special drawer” where they can put their private and personal items. Parents are allowed to open this drawer, but we’ll talk to the kids before doing it.’
She added that research says that parenting that is high on warmth while also being high on structure is most beneficial to children.
‘Being strict or firm in certain areas helps kids thrive’.
