Discipline does not mean punishment. Discipline provides a means of equating choices to consequences and helping your child learn about poor choices. Never spank or hit your child. A 2004 study published in the journal "Pediatrics" reports that children hit or slapped before the age of 2 have significant behavioral problems when they reach school age. Instead, try alternative discipline methods that are not physical.
Reward Positive Behavior
Rather than focus just on behavior that is negative, focus on the behavior you want to see. Reward your toddler when he puts his plate next to the sink. Compliment your middle-schooler when he cleans his room. Praise your school-age child for a glowing report card. This method doesn't ignore poor behavior, but instead focuses on motivating your child to positive behavior.
Act Immediately
Rather than wait until you get home, respond immediately if your child does something that is inappropriate. Take an older child aside to let her know that the behavior is unacceptable. Pick up a very young child and remove her from a store, if she is having a tantrum. Do not wait until she is calmer. Instead, remain calm yourself and state clearly that her behavior is unacceptable.
Explain and Act Consistently
Let your child know what behavior is acceptable. Be clear about what you expect in a restaurant, at worship service, when visiting family and so forth. If your child misbehaves, intervene and be consistent in your intervention. Don't ignore poor behavior in hopes that it goes away, as your child needs firm and consistent discipline to respect the rules to which your family adheres.
Use a Chart
If your child is going through a stage where she is testing your limits, use a chart to clearly define what she should do. Check off each positive behavior and give her clear consequences should she not behave appropriately. For example, if she's constantly yelling, create a check box for each morning, afternoon and evening. If she doesn't yell during a time period, check it off. For each time period that's lacking a check, she loses privileges, such as access to an online gaming system or television.
