Prince William and Kate Middleton Have Adopted a New Rule For Disciplining Their Children When They’re Naughty
There’s no rule book that lays out exactly how to be the perfect parent. It’s a learning experience for everyone including the royals. Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge have stated over the years that they are hands-on parents and like most people can struggle sometimes with the challenges of parenting.
Today, the couple has three little ones at home and have laid out a set of rules for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis to follow. And recently, they’ve adopted a new rule for when their children misbehave.
Be open and honest about their feelings
One of the oldest rules William and Kate have for their kids is that they are open and honest with their feelings. While being a royal kid certainly has its perks, things won’t always be easy as they live their lives in the public eye. Their mom and dad know this and encourage them to talk about how they’re feeling.
Before Louis was born, William spoke to CALMzine about how he and his wife had already taught their older children about having an open dialogue with them.
“Catherine and I are clear that we want both George and Charlotte to grow up feeling able to talk about their emotions and feelings,” the prince said.
Limited screen time, no TV before tea
The Cambridges are very strict on when and how much TV the young princes and princess watch. According to Fabulous Digital, the family stayed at Amner Hall in Norfolk during the lockdown and got into a routine of not watching any TV until after the kids have their tea.
Royal reporter Katie Nicholl also spoke about the TV time rules.
“Kate is usually very strict on screen time and keeps it to a minimum,” Nicholl told OK Magazine, adding that the duchess prefers they do more outdoor activities. “They’ve got climbing frames, swings, and a pond, and each of the children are in charge of their own little patch of the kitchen garden.”
Another part of Will and Kate’s routine is making sure George, Charlotte, and Louis go to bed at the same time every night. That time is 7 p.m.
‘Chat sofa’ instead of time out
The newest rule that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have implemented for their kiddos when they act up is a “chat sofa.” They use this instead of a time out or naughty step as it’s known in the U.K.
“There’s no ‘naughty step’ but there is a ‘chat sofa,'” a royal insider said. “The naughty child is taken away from the scene of the [argument] or disruption and talked to calmly by either Kate or William. Things are explained and consequences outlined and they never shout at them.”
The insider added, “Shouting is absolutely ‘off limits’ for the children and any hint of shouting at each other is dealt with by removal.”
