Parent to Parent: Pick Your Battles

WSVN -- Beverly and younger sister Belinda love to play and like all kids, they always make a mess.

Beverly Gurney-Muzii: "What bothers me the most about this age two and five is that they keep their toys all over the house, all over the room, all over the floor."

Everyday cleanup can be a chore and getting them to buckle up is a constant struggle as well. Doctor Val says parents have to learn when to stand firm.

Dr. Val: "There are certain battles that should be picked. For example, safety anything that threatens your child's safety. You should do whatever you need to do to be sure your child is safe."

Like holding an adults hand when crossing the street.

For other issues, like cleaning up or sharing toys experts say set house rules and stick to them. Doctor Val says stay focused on what's important.

Dr. Val: "What color clothing they wear it's not a battle that's really worth it. Wearing enough clothing on the body, that's worth it."

Beverly Gurney-Muzii: "Safety first, character and good behavior second, and after that if it isn't monumental sometimes you just have to let it go."

Doctor Val says remember kids will be kids, so set limits but have reasonable expectations and never let the little moments in life drive you crazy.

Dr. Val: "You can take your dress off and we'll put some clothes on. I want my dress on. We'll let's clean up and we'll talk about what you're wearing afterwards. That's choosing a battle."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Dr. Valerie Goode
www.drvaleriegoode.com

Pick Your Battles
www.parentsconnect.com/questions/child-behavior-pick-your-battles.jhtml