How important is it to ‘be consistent’?

We're often told it's vital to be consistent in our responses to our children's behaviour so that they learn what's acceptable and what's not. But how helpful actually is it? Should it be your main approach when dealing with challenging behaviour?

If we focus purely on 'being consistent' then how does that impact our intention to connect with our child and how does it actually help with their emotions which are driving their behaviour?

So let's unpack 'being consistent' and look at what to focus on instead.