The Discipline Challenge

Introduction:

Children need to learn what to expect when they are being disciplined. Often parents go from one method to another, searching for what works. Under all this, there are rules that apply to the way any approach should be made.

Discipline With Love

Parents need to remember that discipline is a form of correction or teaching. It is not a form of punishment because the child reminds them of their absent spouse or because they or angry with someone else, so they discipline the child because they are the one available.

Be Firm

If the child tries to talk you out of what you hand out as discipline, stand your ground. If they know they can manipulate you to let them by, they will learn that they can get away with their bad behavior.

Be Fair

. Discipline is often given when parents are angry. This is not the right time to do it. Take a breather if you are angry. Tell the child you will discuss their behavior at a certain time. If you need to, restrict the child to their room during this time. When you are calm, and can think through what would be appropriate, then discuss with the child what they did wrong, and what action you are going to take.

Be Consistent

Not only should you use the same or a similar discipline for each child in the family, but you should be consistent in what you do. The child needs to know what to expect. If you restrict the child from play for one day for talking back to you one time, don’t just give the child a warning the next time. Children learn from consistency. On the same note, discipline should be age appropriate. Fifteen minutes in time out may work great for a three year old, but will have no meaning to a sixteen year old.

Follow the Act As Soon As Possible

Don’t come back two weeks later to tell a child that you are still mad that they broke curfew or didn’t clean their room. Discuss the act with the child as soon as possible. Again, take time to think through any form of discipline if you are angry, but do talk with the child about their behavior when it happens.


People also view

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *