How to Discipline a Child According to Age

Discipline is an important part of raising a child to conform to the rules of society but the methods change as the child grows. What is appropriate for a toddler will not work with a teenager. Experts disagree on what is the best for every child but a general consensus offers parents some guidelines to follow.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Show, don't tell, is the rule for infants under the age of 1 ½ yrs old. Very small children need to be constantly monitored and when issues of safety arise, the parent should remove the danger and show the baby a better way. If your infant tries to put a small object in his mouth, telling him it's wrong will have little effect. Instead, take the item away and replace it with a safe one.

2. Keep your discipline plan simple when your child reaches the "terrible 2s." Toddlers want to mimic everything they see but they are still clumsy and don't understand the ramifications of their actions. A firm command of "No" is sufficient to stop a toddler from doing something he shouldn't. Repeat the command without raising your voice. Punishment at this age should consist of short time-outs.

3. Be consistent when children enter elementary school. Kids between the ages of 5 and 11 love to test their limits and if you let your guard down, they will take advantage of the situation. Set firm behavior guidelines but include enough pleasurable activities so your children can learn to control their behavior without feeling as though they are neglected.

4. Encourage your children to talk about their misbehavior. Sometimes kids just don't make the connection between the act and the reason for not doing it. Listen to what they have to say before you mete out a discipline.

5. Establish a system of rewards when your child enters Middle School, instead of negative punishment. Children of this age see the benefit in behaving when a weekly allowance is at stake. In addition, rewarding positive behavior instills the desire to act in a positive manner.

6. Resist physically punishing your child, if possible. Most parents agree that they prefer to try other methods first. If you do spank your child, try to set guidelines for yourself, such as, only three swats on the behind and only with a flyswatter. Physical discipline can escalate into physical abuse if the parent is not careful.

7. Delegate responsibility as your children go through their teenage years. Put the burden of their behavior on them by allowing them to suffer the consequences of their actions. If they forget to set their alarm at night, they should face the teacher about their tardiness in the morning. The teen years provide a time for your children to spread their wings and learn to discipline themselves.