Temper tantrums, talking back and hitting represent only a handful of negative behaviors parents typically face. A discipline philosophy for dealing with these behavior issues guides your reaction when your child acts out. The ideal discipline plan for one family might not work at all for another family. Consider the temperaments of your children and your personal preferences when deciding how to discipline your children.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement focuses on the appropriate behaviors the child exhibits. The goal is to encourage the positive behaviors by giving them attention. At the same time, you decrease and eliminate the negative behaviors. Positive reinforcement strives to increase the child's confidence. The discipline method focuses on pointing out behaviors instead of labeling the child. Instead of telling the child he is being naughty, you might tell him that hitting is a hurtful action. Positive reinforcement uses firm and consistent handling of behaviors. Positive rewards are used to encourage good behaviors.
Time Out
A time out removes the child from the situation in an attempt to calm the child and stop the negative behavior. Establish a time-out spot for the child. Choose a location without distractions or interesting things to do. One of the goals of time out is to have the child think about the situation. The child is sent to the time-out spot when she misbehaves. The length of time spent in the spot depends on the situation. A common guideline is one minute per year, based on the child's age. For example, a 5-year-old would receive a five-minute time out.
Natural and Logical Consequences
Natural consequences happen without a parent enacting a punishment. If a child drops his homework in a puddle, it gets ruined. If he refuses to wear his gloves, his hands get cold. The child learns, based on the natural impact of his decisions. Logical consequences are related to the child's negative action as a way to discourage the child logically from repeating the behavior. The goal is to teach the child responsibility by resolving the problem he caused with the behavior or dealing with the negative effects. If a child rips a favorite book, it is now ruined. If the child dumps a box of toys and throws them around the room, he has to pick them up by himself.
Redirection
Redirecting a young child's attention offers another way to stop negative behaviors. The situation is changed so the child can channel her energy toward a more productive and acceptable activity. A child who tries to color on the wall might be redirected to a piece of paper or easel. The child is able to draw on an acceptable surface.
Member Comments