Four Effective Ways To Discipline A Child

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Do you have a tot at home who is always hitting the television with his toys or with the remote control? Perhaps, a preschooler who just wouldn't listen? Yes, having children is a fulfilling experience. But, children are not perfect beings. They are not always timid and calm. Sometimes, they get so playful and naughty that they get to their parents' nerves. Disciplining a child is one of the many difficult tasks of parents. According to experts, regardless of the child's age, it is important to be consistent when it comes to disciplining. Parents should stick to the rules and consequences that they set up at home. There are many effective discipline styles that can best fit your family, here are some of them.

Discipline And Physical Punishment Are Different
Physical punishment and discipline are two different things. Discipline may or may not include physical punishment. Parents should understand that the goal of discipline is to shape the child's behavior for long term, not just for short term. Disciplining also aims to teach the child the difference of what is right and wrong. Physical Punishment is deliberately inflicting pain as retribution for an offense. Colloquially, it refers to "spanking", "whipping", "smacking," or "slapping." Inflicting physical punishment to a child has been a long time battle because many parents believe that when you hit your child, it only shows that it is all right to vent out your rage and anger or right a wrong by physical means.

Use Explicable Punishment
Be logical. Make sure that when you impose punishment, it fits the situation. For example, if your child is not eating, talk to your child and ask him why he doesn't like to eat. Do not just hit your child because he is not eating. Perhaps, he has a tummy ache and he can't eat. But, if he is not sick, you can minimize giving him candies and other sweets before meal time. Another example is a child staying up late. Instead of giving time out, you may want to limit his late night television so that your child will not have to stay up too late. Then reward the child when he wakes up with a compliment or a refreshing drink to start the day.

Setting Boundaries And Limitations
Limitations and boundaries are set to guard the child from danger. When your child is playing, you can limit where he can play. Tell your child that the road is not a good place to play because he might get smacked by a car. Firmly tell your kid, "No, playing outside the yard is dangerous. A car may accidentally hit you!" No need to hit your child. Take time to explain why you are setting limits and the possible consequences of the action.

Time - Out
When the child is not acting properly, address the behavior and give warnings first. If it happens again, send your child to her time-out spot right away. Tell her the reason for the discipline. Be firm. If she cries, stay and stand behind her. Do not respond to pleas and excuses. When your child has served her time, do not lecture her. Remind her that you care for her and that you love her. If however, you needed to discuss her behavior, wait for the right timing. The best timing is when your child is ready to listen and she is no longer showing aggressive behavior.

Disciplining a child is never easy even to parents with two or more kids. If you are unable to handle the situation well the first time, do not condemn yourself. Think of what other things that you could have done and do it the next time. If you made a mistake and punished your child excessively, cool down and apologize to your child. Explain how you will handle the situation next time. Keep your promise. This is a good example to show your child on how to recover from past slips and mistakes.

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