Consistency Is Key

With young children especially, it is key to be consistent in your routines, expectations, and rules.  According to Steinberg, "The single greatest contributor to children's disciplinary problems is inconsistent parenting" (Steinberg, p. 127).  Routines for kids create a rhythm within the household which enables you as a parent as well as your child to know what to expect.  However, you need to be careful that you don't become too rigid with your routines and rules.  Says Steinberg, "The difference between being consistent and being rigid is that consistent discipline is adapted to fit the situation, whereas rigid discipline is the same regardless of circumstances" (Steinberg, p. 137).

Having grown up in a gospel centered home, I have been taught the importance of consistency with things like scripture study and prayer.  In Elder David A. Bednar's October 2009 General Conference address entitled "More Diligent and Concerned at Home" he says, "Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes."  Consistency teaches our children our values and our love, so it is key in being involved at home.