Parenting Discipline Techniques
While being a parent can be one of the most rewarding roles one has in life, it can also be the most challenging. Disciplining a child is a difficult thing to do, especially if you are a new parent. Deciding what approach to take in disciplining your child can be complex, but there are some tried and true techniques that are effective. Use methods that provide support, consistency and keep your child's self-esteem intact.
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Positive Reinforcement
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One way to boost your child's self-esteem and teach him good behavior is to provide positive reinforcement. This can be in the form of praise, a reward, or giving your child a hug and a kiss. Make sure that good behavior is recognized. Providing food or items that cost money may not be the best idea at all times, since it can give the child the message that they should expect it for good behavior. Boost your child's esteem by recognizing the specific behavior and telling him that you are proud. Some parents use sticker charts that lead up to a bigger reward after a certain point.
Role Model
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The most important way of teaching your child to be a good person is to be a role model for good behavior. Children pay attention to the behaviors of adults in their lives. If a child witnesses an important adult in his life telling little white lies, or bending the rules, he may see this as a green light for him to do so to get what he wants in a particular situation. Be cognizant of your behavior and remember that your child is looking to you for guidance on how to be an adult.
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Punishment
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In more serious cases, a child may need to be punished for bad behavior. Punishment can consist of taking away a favorite toy or privilege such as watching television or playing video games. Another form of punishment that works with younger kids is putting them in "time out" for a few minutes. Use the same punishment for more serious situations and be consistent with punishments. It is important that your child knows what to expect so that he can learn to take responsibility for his actions when appropriate.
Tips
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Make sure that you provide consistent and fair punishments for the crime. Overreacting or underreacting to particular situations can be confusing and may send the wrong message. Consistency lets the child know you are serious about a particular behavior. Know when to take a time out yourself. Do not let anger take control of your emotions. You may need to take a break from a situation to address it appropriately. Remember not to punish yourself. Just as your children grow and learn, you can grow and learn as a parent as situations arise.
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References
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