| Children and discipline techniques can be confusing. It is | | | | should go hand and hand with each other. |
| often difficult for a parent to select a discipline method | | | | When it comes to children and discipline, it is very |
| that they are comfortable with and one that will work | | | | important not to combine discipline with rewards. This |
| with their child. Discipline needs to begin at a very | | | | can send confusing and mixed messages to the child. |
| young age. It needs to start when the child is old | | | | For example, if a child is disciplined for fighting with his |
| enough to realize and to understand that they | | | | brother and then the parent immediately hugs and |
| misbehaved. Discipline does not involve yelling and | | | | kisses them because they feel guilty, the child will |
| screaming. It is important for parents to find a discipline | | | | become confused. And, the child will not learn from the |
| method that is age appropriate and effective for their | | | | experience because of the mixed message they |
| children. Children should understand why they are being | | | | received from their parent. Every parent wants their |
| disciplined. This takes more time initially, but it is | | | | children to like them, but it is important for a parent to |
| important for them to learn what they did that was | | | | remember that they are the parent and not the friend. |
| wrong, what they should have done, and what they | | | | Finally, when thinking of children and discipline, it is vital |
| can do to not repeat it again. | | | | for a parent to stand their ground and to not make idle |
| It is important to be clear with your children and the | | | | threats. Follow through is very important. If a parent |
| discipline methods you are using. Discipline should be | | | | tells their child they will be disciplined, they need to |
| focused on the specific behavior and not on the child. | | | | follow through with the discipline. Parents also need to |
| For example, when disciplining a child, you want explain | | | | stay strong and not be swayed by tears and begging. |
| to them that their behavior was bad when they did a | | | | Discipline is teaching your children the essentials skills |
| certain thing, rather than telling the child that he or she | | | | that they will need to be successful in life. Discipline has |
| is bad for doing the wrong thing. Discipline should focus | | | | to start when children are young. If you wait until they |
| on the behavior at all times. Children and discipline | | | | are teenagers, then it's too late. |