Rena,
*sayang* come in here to vent the rubbish in your life! many pairs of listening ears. tk care and like cinbunny said, tk time out for self.
oh mummies btw, my orgn got a clincal psychologist down for a lunchtime talk ystday, in celebration of mother's day. these are the main points... looks v theoritical and dry, but the speaker was interesting.
<font color="0077aa">Communication, discipline, expectation, bonding activities --> to build good relationship with your kids</font>
1. communication: positive (praise, encouragement, motivation, rewards), don't be negative, ..help children feel good, gain confidence
yourself as a role model (the way you say and behave)
2. discipline: state sequence that can and will carry out; other family member must be consistent and co-operative
strategy: quiet time; time out (1yr 1minute; for 3-yr old child, can 3mins); ignoring; distraction (for toddler); differential attention; selecting logical or natural consequence
3. expectation: be realistic and gradually adjust
4. bonding activities:
allow child to choose; regular sessions; allow mistake and don't critise
The last but most important:
You are the most important -- make time for yourself;
minimize parents burn-out
challenge your guilty (e.g. go out for SPA etc, don't feel guilty)
time out for parents (only with your spouse), martial relationship