Basic Discipline for Parents

Discipline must be maintained in the home as well as at school. It is essential that children learn that certain behavior cannot be tolerated.

Discipline should be a meaningful learning experience for a child. Here are some points to ponder that might help when you must discipline your child.

1. Make your discipline constructive, not destructive.

2. Disapprove of bad behavior, not the child.

3. Don’t threaten, act!

4. Punishment should occur quickly. The longer you wait the less effective the action will be.

5. Don’t overburden your child with rules. Enforce those rules most important to you and your family.

6. Expect your child to be responsible for his/her actions.

7. Point out good behavior and don’t dwell on the bad.

8. Make punishment reasonable. Grounding a child for a month leaves little reason to improve.

9. Be consistent in dealing with your child. Enforcing a rule one day and letting it slide the next will only confuse the child.

10. Be flexible. If one method of discipline isn’t working, change to something else.

Remember, the most important factor in disciplining a child is that he/she understands the reason for being disciplined. Take time to explain why you are taking such action.