As parents, we know that every child is different. Kids have different temperaments and sometimes need different punishments that work individually with them. According to Deborah Richardson a Child Development Assistant Specialist with Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, children need positive discipline that considers the needs of the child, but also allow the parent to be the decision-maker and take control when needed. This type of discipline is best because it does not involve physical or mental abuse and allows the child some independence for growth.
Firmness and Ignoring
According to the Children's Hospital of Boston, for young children and toddlers a firm "no" is enough to get the bad behavior to cease. However, ignoring other bad behaviors such as temper tantrums when the child is not getting his way is also a useful tool in young children. It is important not to reward bad behavior and acknowledging a child's temper tantrums by giving in or doing what the child wants. Explain to a child why you do not want them to do something (i.e. because it is dangerous or wrong, etc). Young children can be surprisingly keen and understand consequences after they are enforced a couple of times.
Time Out
If firm instructions and ignoring bad behavior is no longer working, a time out is a useful tool for parents. Setting up a predetermined "naughty spot" and explaining to the child what this is and what it will be used for if they misbehave will help the child understand the consequences. Many times children do not accept this and keep getting up from the spot and returning to continue what they were doing. It is important to have consistency and continue to take the child back to the naughty spot, informing the child why he is being placed there and the time they need to sit there. This consistency helps a child have a clear understanding of the rules and what the consequences are when he/she misbehaves. Many people like to keep the amount of time a child is in the naughty spot at a minute per year of age.
Grounding
Grounding or taking away something that the child likes to play with may work better with older children who have more maturity. Children can become fond of playing with friends, video games or a particular toy. This also works for older children who like to talk on the phone with friends. Taking this privilege away from them makes an impression in most children and is not something that they want to have repeated. Some parents like to give a warning before the discipline will be enforced but for older children who understand the consequences this is not always necessary.
