It’s 11pm on a school night at our home in Rochdale and, while most children are tucked up in bed, my kids George, eight, Ellie, seven, and Aimee, six, are still wide awake. No, they’ve not had a scary dream, and they aren’t being naughty, they’re just happily watching TV in the living room. And I couldn’t be happier about it. I know they’ll go to bed when they want to.
When George was a toddler, I spent my days running after him and telling him off. ‘George! Don’t do that!’ I’d shout as yet another ornament tumbled to the floor, breaking into pieces. I lost count of how often I’d have to send him to the naughty step and I grew more and more frustrated. I just couldn’t understand why my methods weren’t working.
You see, with a background in childcare, as soon as George had been born in April 2011, I’d created a strict routine for him, and I did the same for his sister, Ellie, when she was born 18 months later. There were strict rules, a routine, set mealtimes, a 6pm bedtime. When George misbehaved, he was scolded and when he was a good boy, he was rewarded. But by the time he was two, it became a daily battle. I was exhausted and George obviously hated the structure too.
Changing overnight
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 11, 2020-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S OWN.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 11, 2020-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S OWN.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
A BAD ROMANCE
From drink and drugs to affairs and arrests, these famous ladies can't resist striking up with a bona fide rebel
'I DON'T SUFFER FOOLS GLADLY'
Dame Joan Collins on success, dealing with rejection and what's next for her
SUNSETS AND SOUKS
Head to Morocco's boho seaside town of Essaouira for an easy, breezy break in cinematic surroundings
Help! MY HUBBY'S HAVING A MIDLIFE CRISIS
Julie Cook's husband has gone from a calm, classically dressed gent to a leather-clad, zip wiring thrill chaser!
THE TRUTH ABOUT BEING A POLICE DETECTIVE
Crime dramas like Happy Valley make for gripping TV, but how close are they to reality? DCI Fiona Wynne of North Yorkshire Police reveals all...
MY NEIGHBOUR TO BURN ME ALIVE
Faced with an inferno, Laura Wiggins, 53, only had only one option
HELD HOSTAGE BY MY EX
Rhianon Bragg is living in fear after the ex-partner who terrorised her was released from prison
SALON NAILS at home
Nail a DIY manicure with our easy and affordable step-by-step guide
YOUR SPEEDY SHAPE-UP
Put off your new season slimdown and now in a panic? This clever plan promises fast results
ARE YOU TOO STRESSED TO SLEEP?
Avoid restless nights with these calming tips to help you nod off