How to Effectively Discipline Your Child
The best forms of discipline teach your child how to behave. Punishments such as yelling or spanking often make parents feel better in the moment but, because the behavior has been punished instead of corrected, the child may not understand what is expected in the future and the behavior will continue. By creating simple expectations and remaining consistent, you can effectively discipline your child and help him become a respectful, responsible adult.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Stay calm. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths. Controlling your anger will keep you from yelling, shouting or spanking your child.
-
2
Distract a baby or toddler by redirecting them to a different activity. For example, if your toddler starts hitting, stop the behavior and say, "No, we don't hit other kids." Take your child to another area and give her a toy to play with.
-
-
3
Teach your child the house rules and set natural consequences for breaking them. For instance, if your child must complete his homework right after school and doesn't, he will not be able to play video games in the evening.
-
4
Decide on rewards for appropriate behavior. For instance, if your child completes her chores, give her a sticker or a small treat.
-
5
Choose a time-out spot in your home. This area should be free of toys, books and other distractions.
-
6
Give a warning for unacceptable behavior. Get down on your child's level, look him in the eye and say, "Hitting is not nice. If you do it again, you will have time-out."
-
7
Place your child in time-out if the behavior continues. Seat him in the time-out area and say, "You are in time out for hitting your brother. You must sit here until I come back." Set a timer for one minute if your child is two years old or less. Children older than two should sit in time-out one minute for every year of age. Return your child to time-out and reset the timer every time he leaves. When the buzzer sounds, remind him why he needed time-out. Hug your child and return to play.
-
8
Revoke privileges for poor behavior. For example, if your child refuses to clean her room, she cannot play with friends or watch TV.
-
9
Offer specific praise for correct behavior. Use, "Good job," sparingly; instead say, "I saw that you were very angry about your sister taking your toy. Thank you for not yelling or hitting her."
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Consistency is vital; only set rules and give consequences you are willing to follow through with.
Set expectations according to your child's age and abilities; don't require more than she is able to accomplish.
Spanking teaches children to hit when they are angry or frustrated.
References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
