Children need discipline for a variety of reasons, including understanding their limits, learning self control and knowing when to stop, according to the Child Discipline with Love website. Since children don't instinctively know all the rules, it is up to you to inform them. Let them know up front what the consequences of unacceptable behavior are. When you must enforce the rules with discipline, they won't be surprised.
Age Appropriate
A form of discipline that works for a 2-year-old won't work for a teenager; as your child grows and develops, alter your disciplinary measures to suit her age. Until a child is 2, the best approach is to eliminate as many temptations as possible, according to the Kids Health website. As she crawls toward something you can't remove, such as a TV or stereo, say, "No" in a calm manner and distract her with a more acceptable object or remove her from the area. Toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary age children generally respond to timeouts. Older children have a better idea of what is acceptable and what is not. They should know the consequences of unacceptable behavior, which might be curfews and removal of privileges. Rewarding good behavior can help prevent many slip-ups.
Styles
According to the Children's Health website, there are four styles of parenting: permissive, authoritarian, authoritative and detached. Most parents follow one main style with some tendencies in others. The parenting style is influenced by the parent's education, history, personality, behavior of the child and what is going on in the parent's life. Social customs, economic position and marital status also affect how you discipline your children.
Effective Discipline
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the most effective parenting respects the child's rights and teaches the rules without using physical force. Effective parenting involves listening to the child's point of view and reasoning with him. You must be clear with the rules and consequences, even if the child doesn't agree.
Tips
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry offers tips on how to effectively discipline your child. First you must trust her to do what's right. Next, you must be reasonable in what you ask your child to do. Talk to your child in a respectful manner without yelling or disrespect. You should always be clear, specific and firm. Be an example with your own actions. Be flexible and have room in some areas for negotiation. Allow your child to deal with consequences if she doesn't follow the rules. You should discipline the child as quickly as possible, then move on without holding grudges. Take the child's age into consideration with your expectations and discipline.
What Discipline is Not
Discipline is not designed to hold children back from having some say over their lives, according to the Child Discipline with Love website. It teaches children freedom without infringing on the freedom of others. Discipline administered lovingly is not overly punitive. It is not child abuse, neglect or abandonment.
