How Consistent Are You?

As a parent it happens more times than I'd like to admit. No matter how hard I try I can't seem to avoid doing it. So I'm admitting it here on my blog. I send mixed messages to my kids on a fairly regular basis. For example:

• I ask my kids not to eat their food in the living room--yet I sometimes munch on a piece of toast as I try to catch the news on my way out the door.
• I ask my kids to pick up their shoes--yet I sometimes leave mine in the middle of the floor.
• I ask my kids to keep their room clean--yet my room is no model of cleanness either.
• I ask my kids to share with one another and to think of others--yet I often think of my own needs before thinking of theirs.

I'm not proud of these inconsistencies. But the fact that I am aware of them gives me something to work on. It's never too late to change. Are you sending mixed messages to your kids? Take some time to think about it. If you're not sure ask your kids they ususally don't have to think twice. Just be prepared to hear what they say.