Turty Tree is one of our trickiest episodes yet and not just because Tina can’t pronounce the number due to her sensual Meath brogue. Three superb emails from three parents coping with very different situations. Thankfully, there's hope to be found in all of them.
How can you implement a behavioural consequence when you don’t feel like you have any leverage? To ensure the child will care about the consequence do we need something to hold over them? Lots of parents find themselves wondering, "Has this child just got too much stuff?" Have they just figured out that you’re ‘all talk’ or that you always forget to follow through on your prescribed punishments. Tina reveals that she’s had to set reminders in her phone to follow through on the warnings she’s issued earlier that day!
How can you prepare a child for the impending death of their friend? Tina tries to explain that the truth is always the best way to go about answering all the uncomfortable questions your child will have. Memory boxes and encouraging your child to talk about their friend can help them grieve but the path is never easy. Coping with all the confusing feelings they will experience after a loss like this is one thing but what do you do if their curious questions are coming off as insensitive?
How can your child already have a bad reputation when they are only five years old? Why are grown ups still labelling some children as the problem child? Has the idea of Denis the Menace made us believe that some kids are just destructive? What do you do when other parents regard your child as the ‘fall guy’ when anything unpleasant happens. Do you go to the school or as Jarlath suggests, go up to the other parents and push them in the chest? Tina has her own story to tell on this very subject.
A stepmom needs help guiding her step daughter through a tricky friendship situation with her niece. Awkward is not the word. Is it even her place to get involved? How can she navigate this incredible tricky dynamic. Tina and Jarlath suggest hanging back and continuing to observe it whilst being ready to jump in if the situation gets worse.
If you have any problems you need help with fire an email over to Jarlath and Tina at honeyyouareruiningourkid@gmail.com. Proudly sponsored by Buymie.ie