Consistent Parents, It Turns Out That Helping Children Is Happier And Cooperative

Illustration of parents who consistently help children be happier and more cooperative (Freepik/Lifestylememory)

YOGYAKARTA Parents who are consistent, turn out to have a big impact on children. If one time you buy sweet snacks so that your child can be controlled while watching a movie, next time they will ask for the same snack even though they will cause problems with their teeth. This example shows a small picture that children need to be treated consistently. They will try hard to get what they want. Therefore, stick to the agreed initial limits, advises family therapist Erin Leyba, LSCW., Ph.D.

When parents are inconsistent with boundaries, it will strengthen the behavior of the child's opposition and invite breathing, crying, or screams. This burdens children to try harder to get something. Launching Psychology Today, Thursday, February 29, research shows that intermittent and random strengthening is stronger than ordinary reinforcement. A small example, once you violate the initial limit of not eating candy and allow it at some time, they will make a total effort at other times to get rewarded, namely candy.

Research conducted in 2016 shows that teens who experience more consistency in positive interactions with their parents, have fewer symptoms of depression and physical health. On the other hand, negative and inconsistent behavior of their parents is associated with the emergence of behavioral problems in early childhood and predicts their persistence to school age. Inconsistent disciplines are also found in predicting an increase in the attitude of juveniles who are oriented naughty and antisocial behavior.

Through the research reference above, consistency is important to implement parents in educating their children. This is because consistency is calm and firm, associated with the warmth of the parents. The warmth of the parents includes a loving attitude, positive, responsive, and not punishing attitude.

The warmth of the ortu itself correlates significantly with the adjustment of positive psychology and personality disposition. Including independence, positive self-esteem, positive self-dequacy, emotional response, emotional stability, and positive worldview. In contrast, the low level of warmth in parents is associated with the high level of opposition behavior in children.

Consistency can include any activity at home. For example, implementing a routine, giving children a consistent daily assignment, giving screen time consistently, alternative dinners consistently, or activities before bed in a consistent manner.

Any effort made consistently, explained Leyba, will improve children's behavior and cooperation. That means, children are more cooperative and they will be happy to know what to expect. They also feel safe because they know and have a consistent daily routine.