Head Shrink Inc.
What If “Being Nice” Is Hurting Your Child?
Send me a question or comment Your kid argues about rules, ignores chores, and acts like boundaries are the enemy, but what if the real problem is that the boundaries keep moving? We dig into one of the biggest parenting issues I see across family therapy: inconsistency. When expectations change from day to day, kids get confused, behaviour gets louder, and the parent-child relationship takes a hit even if everyone has good intentions. We talk through why children actually crave consistency, not “more punishment,” and how reliable follow-through can feel like care. I break down the balancing act between being firm and being flexible, and why emotions like guilt, fear, and anxiety can push parents into doing the wrong thing even when they are trying to protect the bond. This matters in every household, but it shows up sharply in blended families and co-parenting after divorce, where limited time together can make consequences feel risky. We also unpack the single-parent side of this problem, where overwhelm and guilt can slowly erase expectations and turn basic responsibilities into constant negotiations. You’ll leave with a clearer sense of how consistent boundaries support kids, reduce conflict, and protect relationships with co-parents and step-parents. Follow along on Instagram at Dr. David Simonson, and if you have questions, reach out at headshrinkink at gmail.com. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a parent who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest consistency challenge. Doc David
