Parenting Tips to Discipline a Child

Discipline is helpful if administered properly.

Discipline is an important aspect of parenting, and is beneficial when done properly. When you discipline your child, you are teaching her which behaviors are important and which are not. She, in turn, learns to make good choices rather than bad ones. This is an important skill that she will carry with her into adulthood.

Firmness Matters

It is not helpful to any situation for a parent to scream and swear at her child, or to call the child names. These tactics will only harm a child emotionally. It will not teach him the necessary lesson. Be firm when speaking to your child, but do not yell and lose control. Your tone of voice should change just enough for the child to know that you mean business, but not enough to seem abusive.

Positive Attention

It is important to notice when a child is exhibiting good behavior, not just when she is misbehaving. Look for opportunities to encourage the behavior that you want to see. Let your child know that you appreciate her help with things, and that you have noticed how good she has been as of late. By doing this she will see that good behavior pays off, and continue to exhibit it rather than misbehaving.

Consistency Matters

One of the most important things that you will want to do for your child is to be consistent. Begin this as early as possible with each of your children. This will enable your child to know exactly what you expect of her. By being consistent she will not receive mixed signals from you, enabling her to know exactly what is expected at all times. She will learn what the consequences of each action will be.

No Violence

Violence is not the answer with any difficult situation, including when disciplining your children. Spanking and slapping do not solve problems, and neither does hitting a child with objects. Try a more effective method of dealing with childhood problems. Using violence while disciplining may teach a child that violent behavior is acceptable, causing problems for the child later on.

Disciplinary Actions

There are a number of tactics that may be used to successfully teach children how to behave. These are considered positive discipline. Removing a young child from a situation is a worthwhile tactic that allows her to redirect her energies on a more positive activity. You may place her in a chair for a few minutes. Sending a child to her room to calm down is another option, but do not leave her in there all day.

It is acceptable to take privileges away from older children if their behavior warrants such action. They may be expected to earn them back by exhibiting good behavior, rather than just getting them back.

References

• All About Parenting: Child Discipline -- What, How, When?
• Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service: Discipline Methods for Parents and Grandparents
• WebMD: Parents, Kids, and Discipline
• Keep Kids Healthy: Guide to Effective Discipline
• University of Delaware Cooperative Extension: Raising a Non-Violent Child

Resources

• Positive Discipline Association: Home