Discipline is an important part of being a parent, reports Kids Health. Many children have a difficult time responding to the rules and expectations outlined by their parents. If you are finding it challenging to effectively discipline your child, there are several things you can do to improve your execution as well as your child's response.
Step 1
Outline your rules and expectations by writing them on a large piece of poster board or a whiteboard. According to Ronald G. Morrish, author of "Secrets of Discipline: 12 Keys for Raising Responsible Children," your child needs to know what is expected of him as well as how his actions affect others. Sit him down and carefully explain each rule to him. You should also let him know what the consequences of his misbehavior are. Post your rules in a prominent location in your home so your child will see them every day.
Step 2
Be consistent. Kids Health reports that the most effective way to motivate your child to stop misbehaving is to consistently enforce the rules. If she breaks a rule, you must execute the corresponding consequence each and every time. Your child will come to realize that you are serious about her behavior and that you will not back down when she makes a poor choice.
Step 3
Use time-outs as a consequence for bad behavior. You can give your child a warning that if he does not stop acting out or if he chooses to repeat poor behavior again, then he will be sitting in a time-out. Place a chair or stool in an out-of-the-way place in your home and leave it there as a reminder that he will spend time there if he acts inappropriately. Make sure the time-out spot is free of distractions, says Kids Health, so that your child does not enjoy sitting there and will work to avoid being sent back.
Step 4
Reward your child for appropriate behavior. Create a chart that includes the behaviors you expect from your child, recommends Kids Health. At the end of the day, award her a sticker for each action that she completed appropriately throughout the day. You can use whatever reward that will make a difference to your child, such as extra time with you. Post the chart on the refrigerator so your child will be reminded to think about her actions during the day.
Step 5
Avoid telling your child "no" all the time. Children often respond to the word "no" by acting out, because they feel frustrated. Rephrasing your requests to tell your child what he can do will motivate him to listen and behave appropriately, writes Morrish. Instead of telling your child to stop doing something, decide what you want him to do and tell him to do that instead. You can also use statements such as, "You may not do that, but you can do this." Empowering your child to make the right choices will result in better behavior.
Tips and Warnings
- Praise your child for good behavior to positively reinforce how you want her to behave. Your child wants to please you so letting her know what makes you happy will encourage her to repeat those actions in the future.
- Spend more time rewarding good behavior and less time focusing on poor behavior.
Things You'll Need
- Poster board or whiteboard
- Marker
- Chair or stool
- Chart
- Stickers
References
- Kids Health: Disciplining Your Child
- "Secrets of Discipline: 12 Keys for Raising Responsible Children"; Ronald G. Morrish; 2004
