- HubPages»
- Family and Parenting»
- Kids»
- Children's Growth & Development
Effective Methods of Child Discipline
1) AVOID ISSUING COMMANDS:
Do not issue commands expecting instant co-operation, this is because it makes your child resentful because of being treated in a manner they do not approve, always remember your children are human beings who will have a tendency to resist when a request is made as a command. Instead use a calm, yet authoritative voice to make your requests and never forget the all important word- Please.
2) BEING PRESENT:
Physically and emotionally- Children want and need their parents' attention, these are parents that are physically present and emotionally, there are the parents who have little time to talk to their children the result of which the children misbehave in an effort to get noticed. It is therefore necessary to create time for the childre as much as the schedules for parents is busy there is a great need to make time for the children.
3) BE CONSISTENT IN DISCIPLINE:
Inconsistent disciplining styles are usually very disastrous and confusing to the children. It is therefore important to put in place a well established and understood set of rules and standards with defined consequence and this should be applied equally to all the children to avoid a case of sibling wars.
4) DO NOT COMPARE YOUR CHILDREN:
Most times parents with more than one child feel that making comparisons between their children will encourage the one performing poorly in a certain area to improve.Every child should be handled as a unique individual because comparisons will eventually erode a child's confidence.
5) AVOID ISSUING IDLE THREATS:
When you consistently issue idle threats to your children, they stop taking you seriously. The threats you issue should be followed with action as your word and discipline should be final. If you do not stick to what you say, your children will get into the habit of not following your instructions as they know there will be no consequences.
6) INSTRUCTIONS SHOULD BE GIVEN CALMLY:
Effective punishment should not be spontaneous, it should be well deliberated, before delivering a punishment, take a moment as the children respond best to a direct, calm and reasonable approach.