Child Discipline Issues
Disciplining children is one of the most challenging but necessary responsibilities that parents take on. Discipline involves the provision of a structured environment that offers a balance of love and support, with training and natural rewards and consequences. Though experts often disagree on some aspects of effective child-rearing, certain principles are universally encouraged by most.
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Safety and Security
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One of the essential foundations of providing discipline is the establishment of a safe and secure home. As children develop, you want them to trust in you, your direction and correction, and most importantly, your motives. Before children can concern themselves with making good choices and following rules, they must feel safe and secure. Demonstrating to your kids at an early age that you and the environment they are nurture in are safe is vital.
Boundaries
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A primary responsibility for parents is to establish physical, mental and emotional boundaries for their children that teach them how to understand limits and expectations of behaviors. Simultaneously, by balancing freedom and responsibility, you train them on how to discipline themselves by understanding the benefits of making wise choices and avoiding unpleasant, natural consequences that result when overstepping boundaries or rules.
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Consistency
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Consistency in your approach to parenting and discipline is one of the most commonly noted and vital issues of good parenting, as indicated by the Keep Kids Healthy website. Parents and other caregivers need to operate similarly in their approach to parenting and enforcement of systems of rewards and consequences. This includes agreement on family rules and boundaries, and consistency with regard to positive rewards and negative consequences based on choices made by your kids. Lack of consistency causes confusion and uncertainty in children.
Discipline Methods
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When people discuss discipline, they often think of the actual application of punitive discipline. This is only part of an overall approach to disciplining and training your kids, but it is important to have consistent and agreed-upon methods. Specific techniques vary with age and development, but one common point is to not give in when kids whine, cry or throw temper tantrums. This perpetuates the behaviors and sends the wrong message. Communicating consequences for poor choices and then applying these consistently is important. Additionally, regarding specific punitive measures, most child experts encourage non-physical approaches in the 21st century. Physical punishment like spanking is discouraged, and preference is given to periods of timeout for young children and loss of privileges for older children.
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References
- Photo Credit kids image by Marzanna Syncerz from Fotolia.com
