We as parents need to determine the worst of two evils. Do we disciple our child every time they do something wrong or do we just give in to prevent confrontation. This decision can become very difficult, especially if both parents are working and the child is either left to watch younger siblings or a child is left behind with a care giver until you return from work.

Like myself, most parents feel guilty about leaving our children for long periods of time. We try to over compensate by purchasing items we may not have necessarily felt were in the best interest of the child. We seem to feel less guilty when we practice these habits knowing the child is pleased with his / her new gift.

In order to reduce the stress of parenting, specific rules and guidelines need to be established and communicated to the child. The responsibility is now on the child and bad behavior will result in specific consequences and disciplinary action. This will allow the parent to remove themselves from the situation and place accountability on the child.

Begin by introducing new rules before an episode occurs. Make sure your calm and not irritated from a previous incident.

• Outline the rules and make sure the child understands them.
• Establish the consequences of their actions if they violate the rules. Make sure they understand for every choice they make there is a consequence affiliated with their action.
• Follow through – Again Follow through. If you do not follow through with disciplinary action, your child will not take you serious and will perform the same action once again.
• Find moments to teach your child that good choices, produces good habits, and poor decisions will result in poor outcomes.

Consequences and discipline are often the best way to help a child learn from their mistakes. Do not try and be their best friend but instead be a parent to your child. You will earn more bonus points down the road and your child will earn your respect and understand poor choices will result in discipline. If you want to learn some tips about parenting difficult children, read How To Regain Control of Your Child.

Thank you for reading and leave a comment, I love to know your thoughts about parenting.