Consistency vs. Flexibility

Parents are frequently advised to be as consistent as possible and not to give into children’s demands, desires and wishes. Parents are also reminded to be flexible and allow their children some ‘wiggle’ room around family rules. How can a parent be consistent and flexible simultaneously?

parentStrategy tips:

1. Be consistent about issues and rules that evolve out of primary family values. Consistency teaches children reliability and accountability.
2. Be flexible about values that are secondary in nature and do not compromise your belief system. Flexibility teaches children how to handle change.