Summary: the article reiterates the parent’s role in disciplining the child. It also highlights why disciplining is important.
Each child is different. One enjoys the taste of sweets; another does not go near sweets. Being parents we look to each and every child’s needs. This is the same method we should use to discipline them. A child needs to learn how to be responsible and he/she must know that there are consequences for their actions.
When it comes to disciplining, I am not a fan of spanking and would not suggest you to do so as well. The first thing you have to do is to set rules for the child. These rules have to be understood by your child. They also need to know why the rules are there. Ensure that everyone in the house follows the rule. If you break it, you pay for the consequences. This sets a clear direction for the children. Children need to be clear to the rules. From here the child learns, experientially, right actions and wrong ones.
When it is time to discipline your child, do not let him escape. Take responsibility towards your child’s attitude and behavior. Remember it is merely the attitude that needs to change and not the child itself. Attitude’s are picked up and can be changed. Show the child that a different mindset is all that is needed for the child. This way he/she will have be able to face challenges.
Follow the punishments in your home. It will allow your child to learn to be responsible towards their behavior and realize that everything they do has to be accounted for. Do not let them get away without any cost. A child that is reprimanded for what he/she does, learns to deal with the consequences. A child that learns the hard way will never forgets the lesson. It will be with them throughout their lives.
One thing I would like to emphasize here is that you, as a parent, are just correcting the attitude of the child and not the child. You must not criticize the child by putting him down with word like “Look at the mess you have done” to the child this translates as “I am wrong”. Instead you should say “Clean this mess now” or “You know the rules…” Give positive words to ensure that you are angry, but that does not make him/her wrong..
Giving positive words goes a long way with a child. We do not want to nurture inferiority complex in them now would we? Let them know you are angry towards their deeds. Choose to be a nurturing parent, one that shows the child that you have to take responsibility for your actions and make them see that actions can change. Nurture them well.
Find out more about discipline tips at this website about Better Toddler Parenting.