Children have their own set of ideas and desires that do not always align with what parents think is best. According to Healthy Children, discipline is meant to teach self-control and to prepare children to be healthy and productive adults. The most effective forms of discipline include strategies that enable children to understand the rules. Appropriate discipline strategies can help parents make successful discipline decisions for their children.
Establish Boundaries
Establishing boundaries communicates respect, according to Healthy Children. Children respond to discipline that tells them what they are allowed to do rather than only telling them what they are not allowed to do. Healthy Children suggests phrasing requests by telling children what they can do as well as what the reward for good behavior is and what the consequence for making a poor choice is. Children respond positively to structure and discipline because it gives them a sense of security that lets them know they are cared for.
Outline Expectations Before Punishment
Children learn how to behave appropriately when parents outline exactly what is expected of them before issuing punishments, according to Kids Health. Children are able to remember the rules when they are told what the rule is and why it is important rather than just being given a punishment. Kids Health recommends speaking with a child after the first offense to let a child know that what they did was wrong and why it was wrong. From there, parents can let their child know that if the behavior happens again there will be a consequence.
Consistency
According to Kids Health, consistency is one of the most important aspects of discipline because it lets kids know what is expected of them and also tells them that parents are serious and will follow through with consequences each time the behavior occurs. Healthy Children recommends that parents model appropriate behavior and help children learn how to do what parents expect them to do. Letting children know that even parents make mistakes sometimes can allow a family to work together to do what is expected.
Positive Reinforcement
Recognizing good behavior and praising a child can be an effective way to encourage good behavior in the future, Healthy Children notes. Children naturally want to please their parents and when they are rewarded with praise for good behavior they are more likely to continuing behaving appropriately to continue getting the reward. Telling a child what is nice about his behavior will motivate similar behavior in the future.
