So what is Lazy Parenting?

A definition of lazy parenting: Your kids do all the hard work. But only after you've done all the hard work.

I figure there are three things:

Having kids who do a lot of the housework or at least clean their own mess and take responsibility for their own things
Having kids who generally know what the right thing to do is (and do it)
Having kids who listen to what you ask (and do it)

Sounds like heaven, right? Indeed.
I'm a long way from being able to say my kids are like this, but they are getting there. Of course, most kids are not born with these qualities (though I'm sure I was!) and that's where the parental hard work comes in.

Lazy Parenting

Now, don't steal that title, that's going to be the name of my book.
I think lazy parenting has always been my style of parenting (I embrace lazy living as a whole, really!), but specifically since reading Michael Grose's book One Step Ahead, some of these thoughts have crystallised a little more. (Thanks Nicole!)

The thing about lazy parenting though, it's really quite hard work parenting, at least to begin with. I find it hard to apply to the under 4's, and much easier from about 6, for a lot of it, certainly if you use time limits a lot.

Here are the 'rules' as I see it. I intend to elaborate on these as time goes on.

1. Know what your child is capable of (physically and emotionally)

2. Work out what you want your child to do (this can differ from #1, although some would argue your child should do everything they are capable of doing)

3. Come up with clear natural or logical consequences (sounds easier than it is)

4. Explain these clearly to the child and make sure they are understood

5. FOLLOW THROUGH!

For under 4's, there is very little hope of lazy parenting (except on occasion, and dependant very much on personality and birth order). You can't parent from a chair. That's a good general rule, but especially true of the pre-school set. I'm sure I'll write more on this another time too.

See, doesn't he look like a 'victim' of lazy parenting?