Am I Showing My Toddler Who Is The Boss?

Do you try to resist the urge to argue, and try to stay neutral?

Do you claim an alpha stance, trusting your instincts to make decisions about things like bedtimes?

Do you show some empathy before you correct your child’s behavior?

Do you choose your battles, so you don’t get mad at every single thing your child does wrong?

Do you avoid giving your child too much control over big life decisions?

Do you give your child options, so they get a little bit of say?

Do you always focus on meeting the needs, not demands?

Do you communicate the expectations that you have from your child and the consequences if they don’t behave correctly?

Unfortunately, based on your answers, it seems like you are not showing your toddler who is the boss. Many parents also want to be their child’s friend, because they don’t like to be the boss at all. But this is a problem, because a friend is non-judgmental. Your role as a parent is simply not equal as to your child’s role. As a parent, you must be in charge, otherwise no one will be. It’s important to give your children loving limits, showing them who is the boss while still being empathetic. The sooner they learn who is in charge, the better!

Based on your answers, you are displaying several signs that you don’t show your toddler who is the boss. As a parent, if you avoid being the boss in your family, the lines of authority may disappear very quickly. Your children will be unsure about who is really in charge, which will lead them to act out, become bossy, or engage in risky behavior. Eventually the relationship between you and your children will deteriorate. It’s important to give your children loving limits, showing them who is the boss while still being empathetic. The sooner they learn who is in charge, the better!

Based on your answers, you are displaying the signs typically seen among parents who show their toddlers who is the boss. That is positive news! Parents need to set limits on their kids and make sure to maintain the rules of their household. They should use consequences and accountability. Besides, they should take on a teacher role, they help their child how to behave. Lastly, the coach role is important where parents challenge their child to behave better. These three roles are needed for you to be a highly effective parent.