| Child discipline is a crucial and emotional issue for | | | | You should also understand that your behavior when |
| parents of elementary children. We worry endlessly | | | | disciplining your child will help to shape what your child |
| about our children misbehaving and how we should | | | | sees as appropriate behavior. If you yield after your |
| handle it. Constant behavior problems make us feel | | | | child repeatedly argues, becomes violent or has a |
| frustrated and angry. We detest having to punish our | | | | temper tantrum, then he will learn, at an unconscious |
| children. Learning how to efficiently discipline our | | | | level, that you'll always give in if he pushes hard |
| children is an important skill that all parents must learn. | | | | enough. On the flip-side, if you are steadfast and |
| Discipline is totally different from punishment. Instead, | | | | consistent with sticking to your guns, then he'll realize |
| discipline has something more to do with teaching, and | | | | that it's useless to fight with you. |
| it involves teaching our children right from wrong, to | | | | Being consistent in your methods of discipline and |
| respect the rights of others, and the difference | | | | punishment is the single most effective way to |
| between acceptable and unacceptable actions. Our | | | | develop well-behaved children. This also applies to |
| aim is to help develop a child that will feel secure, loved, | | | | caregivers. Children will always to test their limits, and if |
| self-confident, self-disciplined and knows how to | | | | you are inconsistent, you are encouraging more |
| control his emotions & behavior. We want to raise | | | | misbehavior. |
| a child that knows how to handle the frustrations and | | | | Reminders about Discipline: |
| complications of everyday life. | | | | 1. Stay calm and be patient. Never lose your temper in |
| Many of us need to learn better and more effective | | | | front of your child. Walk away if you are about to lose |
| ways of disciplining our children. The kind of discipline | | | | it. |
| that could help our child develop self-control and | | | | 2. Don't give too much criticism, and keep it |
| respect for authority. The two extremes of children | | | | constructive. Nobody likes too much criticism. |
| that are spoiled, and those that are brutally disciplined, | | | | 3. Give praise, but avoid over-doing it. |
| both face increased risk of emotional and behavioral | | | | 4. Avoid dwelling on the bad behavior. Point out |
| problems. Just learning one new approach to discipline, | | | | positive behavior and express how much you like it. |
| as a parent, change our child's development. If you are | | | | 5. Never use physical punishment. This will only lead to |
| having problems disciplining your child, you should not | | | | resentment and hate. |
| berate yourself too much. Its far more important to | | | | 6. Give rewards for good behavior, not only |
| remember to be flexible, and able to implement new | | | | consequences for bad behavior. |
| ideas until something works. Remember that you may | | | | 7. Know the difference between rewards and bribes. |
| not be doing anything wrong. All children are unique and | | | | Your child should do what is right because it is right |
| have different moods; therefore developmental levels | | | | and not only because he is being bribed. |
| and approach of discipline that may work with other | | | | 8. Be a role model. Your child imitates you without |
| children may not work with yours. | | | | consciously trying to. It's simply natural behavior. So be |
| Children are unique and parents are no different. As | | | | aware of how you act. |
| you choose a discipline strategy, you'll learn to adapt it | | | | 9. Provide your child with a safe environment where |
| so that it suits your family. Trying new ideas can be | | | | he feels safe and loved. |
| the most important skill you develop as a parent. | | | | |