Step1
Begin by enforcing a healthy routine for meals and snacks, naps, baths and bedtime. This creates security in the child and gives them a guideline for a fulfilling day.
Step2
Practice what you preach. You can only expect your child to react positively to training if they see that you do the same thing. Don’t expect them to act or be something that you’re not.
Step3
Always be consistent. If you don’t want your child to play with the television converter, then it always has to be “no” regardless of whether they are sick or if you have company. If you allow it sometimes but not at other times then the child has not learned to obey but rather how to manipulate circumstances to get what they want.
Step4
Always give praise to your child when they’re good and a scolding or discipline when they’re bad. Praise is very importatnt because it encourages them to follow what is right.
Step5
Never tell your child that you don’t like them when he or she is bad. Keep the bonding of love in your relationship secure and point out that it is only their actions that you are angry with.
Step6
Be a good listener. Never assume anything. This allows your child to open up and get rid of burdens or thoughts that could confuse or possibly destroy them. Keep your response positive, suggestive and encouraging, and seek outside counselling if needed.
Step7
Always end the discipline with your child saying sorry to you. Hug them, accept their apology and move on. This puts a closure on the issue, reassures the child that it was their actions that were wrong and not them, and also teaches them to forgive others for doing something wrong to them.
Step8
Never discipline a child when you are angy. If their actions have enraged you, put them in their room until you come to grips with the situation and can deal with it properly.
Step9
Never let your child argue with you as this teaches them disrespect and rebellion.
Step10
Never allow your child to strike you even when playing. It degrades your authority and encourages them to disrespect the authority of others.
Step11
Always keep your promises. When you break your word it teaches your child two things: that they cannot trust you, and that it is okay to lie. If something unpredictable prevents it, then put the timing of the promise to another date, if possible, to show your child that you have every intention of keeping your promise.
Step12
And finally, always take a few minutes at the end of each day to spend some quality time with your child by talking, reading or even singing. This enforces the bonding between parent and child when the child knows that amid the parent’s busy day, there is still that special time just for them.