TODDLERS TO TEENS:
3 Strategies to Assist You
It's not uncommon to have siblings several years apart in age. Having a teen and a toddler in the same household, while more prevalent today, is nothing new under the sun. My father's oldest siblings were 18, 16 and 14 when he was born in the 1930s. My mom was born 5, 7, 8 and 9 years younger than her siblings. So, when there are large age gaps under the same roof....
What's a parent to do?
There are some great articles online that give tips. Here I list three tips for assisting you in parenting children when there is a large age gap. Even if you don't have a toddler and teen in the same home, these tips are applicable to parenting!
TIP #1: GIVE GRACE!
Not only do your children need to receive grace, but YOU also need grace! God's grace is sufficient in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Oh, it's often easier to give others grace but we short change ourselves in this category too often. When you're feeling frustrated and down in your parenting skills, pause and thank God His grace is enough for you. Also, spend time with friends who are in the parenting years with you, and that you can receive encouragement from.
TIP #2: EAT TOGETHER!
Make it a priority to have a meal together, once a day if at all possible. There is something about gathering around food as a family. I realize this is not always doable BUT don't sell yourself short on creativity in this venture. A few years ago, one of the students I taught had 2 older siblings and they ate breakfast together as a family since dinner time conflicted with extracurricular school activities. Another mom who was determined to have family meals would travel with a crockpot of food to eat dinner together prior to her boys athletic games-yes, they ate at one of the schools! If not everyday-how many times could you gather around a meal each week!
When our children were growing up, we would share our high and low for the day at the dinner table. Each person shared what was the best part of their day and the worst. This is a great way to keep in tune with each other.
TIP #3: ONE ON ONE TIME!
Most of us cherish time alone with someone who will listen and enjoy us for who we are as a human being. Our children are no different. Having time alone with each child is a way to have a conversation at their age level. You can do this at home, on a walk, in the park or a date for hot chocolate or lunch! If there are two parents in the home, you can divide and conquer. For single parents enlist grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends to help you get one on one time with each child. This can be 10 minutes or 2 hours. Remember to take alone time for you too!
Here are some articles I read to pull together the tips above. Read them for more ideas!
