Should I stay firm on family rules all the time?

Should I stay firm on family rules all the time?

Jayne Major, Ph.D. (Parenting Educator & Child Custody Consultant, Breakthrough Parenting Services, Inc. ) gives expert video advice on: How do I instill my values in my children?; How do I establish rules for my child?; How do I know if I'm being too strict or too permissive with my children? and more...

With parenting rules and values, some family rules have to do with safety. The parents must make sure that children adhere to safety rules, for sure. Other rules have flexibility in them. For example, if you have a child that is in young elementary school, maybe bed time is eight o'clock, eight-thirty, and then as the child gets older, you change the rules according to the needs of the situation. However, it should always make sense in the context of the situation. Always use participation in parenting, unless you have a child that is just not participating, or if you have a child that is really angry, upset, or sick, then you need to take charge of the situation. When possible, don't take charge, have the child engage with you in a problem solving activity where you come up with solutions that work for both the parent and the child.