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Step 1
Compare child discipline to punishment. These two are not necessarily the same thing. Discipline is specific training designed to produce specific character traits (such as honesty, integrity, kindness and respect for others) whereas punishment carries with it a penalty for an offense.
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Step 2
Design discipline training for your child. A synonym for discipline is "education." Realize that whether or not you decide to discipline your child, you are educating him one way or another. He will be educated in your home to some set of values, either positive or negative. If he's never required to follow any rules, rest assured society will administer discipline, and not as lovingly as a parent may.
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Step 3
Set specific rules for your child such as taking out the trash, keeping her room neat and coming home at curfew.
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Step 4
Punish physically (spank) only when necessary. Let the punishment fit the crime. If he refuses to take out the trash, take away something he wants to do such as going to a friend's house to play. Out and out defiance of your authority as a parent, however, must be firmly dealt with. A child who is willfully disobedient, disrespectful and throwing temper tantrums may need a swat on the bottom. A young child who is doing something dangerous and ignores verbal warnings (such as playing in the street or playing with matches) must feel the "heat" of your correction.
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Step 5
Think about your goals as a parent when you compare child discipline to punishment. You want your child to obey you out of love and respect, not fear. Establish clear rules for him to follow. Make sure your child knows what's expected of her. Don't punish a child simply for childish behavior that annoys you.
