Discipline works best when parents and
teachers provide children with a balance of love, respect, clearly
defined rules, and understanding. Here are some secrets of effective
discipline:
Make the rules clear
Talk
about family rules, explaining the consequences clearly. For example,
for a rule such as "Take care of belongings," you might tell them if
they leave their legos out, they don't get to play with
them the next day. As your youngsters learn to read, write down the
rules and put them on the refrigerator as a reminder.
Tip: Children are more likely to remember the rules if there are a few broad ones, rather than many specific ones.
Be Consistent and firm
You can expect your child to "test" the
rules from time to time. When they do, gently stand your ground and
apply the set consequences. Being firm and consistent lets them know
that you mean business and provides a sense of security instead of
uncertainty. The more you give in the more they will test because it
works.
Give positive feedback
Try
to focus more on what your child does right than on what
they do wrong. This will encourage them to try even harder to behave.
Also, always state more of what you want instead of what you don't
want.
Example: "Please
clean up your legos now" instead of "Don't leave your legos all over the
floor." This is clear and to the point. When you see behavior you would
like repeated, let them know.
Example: "Thanks for putting your dirty clothes in the hamper."
