How to Discipline Your Child Without Spanking

Kids will be kids! However, we can discipline them without spanking them. The catch - you must follow through.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Designated time out area
• Stool or Chair
• Patience

1. 
   Crying or screaming is one way your child can get your attention

   Children act out! Sometimes it can be for attention. Whether it be positive or negative, your child needs and wants your attention. Patience is the key!

2. Create and build a relationship with your child. We are all busy and it's hard to find enough time in one day to fit everything in. However, your child needs and deserves your time, even if you can only spare 15-30 minutes a day. Play a game, read, or complete a project. Whatever you decide to do, give your child your full attention for the entire 15-30 minutes. Let them be the boss!

3. Now that you're working towards a healthy relationship, you can discipline your child without fear of them turning against you. Select an area that's not directly in front of the tv or high traffic. This can be your "time out" location. Place a bench or stool in the area to provide a place to sit (the floor works too).

4. Ignore minor disturbances (i.e. crying). All kids do it and will quickly learn that it doesn't work if you don't pay it any attention. For more severe actions, place your child in the designated "time out" area for three minutes. Walk your child to the "time out" area and explain why they must sit there. Also, explain that they must sit there for three minutes without getting up. After three minutes return and again explain to your child why they were punished. This is where the patience comes in. It may take several return trips to the "time out" location, but rest assured, your child will catch on.

5. Follow through! Follow through! Follow through! It won't work if you only use "time out" occasionally. Your child needs to know that there is a consequence for their actions.

6. 
   If your child knows what makes you happy, they'll do it!

   Finally, catch your child being good! Let them know that you see the good things, not just the bad. Make sure to praise your child as often as possible. If they know how to make you happy, they'll do it!

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to explain to you child why there are being punished. They understand more than you think!
• Follow through! Don't threaten, do.
• Be patient. It may take some time to get the process down, but it will work if you're willing to work at it.
• Screaming only makes matters worse
• If you are extremely upset, walk away until you can handle to situation calmly.

[betterbody]

on 7/30/2009 Very good points for disciplining children, especially # 5.