Positive Parenting Tips
for Disciplining Children

I remember getting spanked and yelled at as a kid. Today, however, parents are looking for alternative methods of discipline and avoiding the dreaded spanking or punishment.

There are, of course, many books and online resources available with varying opinions on how you should be disciplining children. Many of these articles and books can give you good advice, but no one understands your child better than you and what will work for them.

Because all children are different, and this applies to children in the same family, using time-out for one child may not work for another. It is important to understand this and not try to force the same discipline on a child that it won't work for.

By the time any child is 4 yrs old, you should have already laid down the basic rules, and the most important part of setting a rule is to stand by them. Especially when they are still young, be sure to go over the rules with them whenever they break one. And do not try to explain yourself to your child, you are the parent and what you say goes.

Praise your child's good behavior to reinforce the idea that having good behavior is much better than bad behavior. Ever notice how we tend to spend a lot more time scolding them for the bad things they do than on the good things. A simple "Thank You" can really make your child feel good about themselves, what they have done and they will want to do more of it.

When saying "no" to your child, be sure to use a firm tone with authority, but not an angry one. Also make sure that when you say "no" you mean "no". Don't give in if your child continues to ask or plead; just stand by your decision.

Remember, it is you who is in charge, not them.

The discipline should also relate to the act. For example; if a child colors all over the walls, they should have to clean up the mess. If they are too small, give them some time to work on it alone and then help them to finish up. Make sure not to make a game of it though, they need to understand that they are in trouble.

Understanding your child and finding what discipline works for them will help them become well adjusted as they get older, and help your household run smoother.

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