Loving Discipline = Better Behavior
As your children get older, it’s natural for them to challenge you. Sometimes, it seems easier to just let them have their way. But all kids need limits, and they need parents to guide them.
Discipline works best with a balance of love, respect, and clearly defined rules, and understanding. Here are some secrets of effective discipline.
Make the rules clear
It’s easier for children to follow the rules when they know what to expect. Talk about family rules, explaining the consequences clearly. Example: “Put your toy away when you’ve finished playing with it. If you don’t, you won’t be allowed to play with it the next day.” For young children pictures are a good reminder. Use pictures of a child putting toys away in a toy box or other storage unit. As your youngsters learn to read, write down the rules and put them on the refrigerator as a reminder.
Stay strong
Your kids may test the rules from time to time. When they do, try to stand your ground and apply the set consequences. Being firm and consistent lets them know that you mean business.
Give positive feedback
Focus more on the things your children do right than the things they do wrong. This will encourage them to try even harder to behave. So, when you see behavior you’d like repeated, let your kids know. Example: Thank you for putting your crayons in the box!”
“I can do it!”
Children gain confidence by doing things on their own. Show your youngsters how to do these tasks by slowly and carefully doing them while he/she is watching. The more he/she does for him/herself, the more he/she will be able to do!
- Prepare cold cereal
- Make a sandwich
- Choose his/her clothes for the next day.
- Tie his/her shoes.
- Answer the phone politely.
- Hang up her wet towel in the bathroom.
- Place dirty clothes in a hamper.
- Put his/her winter coat on. Teach your child to flip it over their head. Ask any teacher or Anne this method if you are not familiar.
