Disciplining Your Child
The proper technique to having your child well disciplined
Disciplining Your Child
Major methods for stopping bad behavior:
- Mild Punishment: Time-out
- Scolding and Disapproval
- Natural vs. Logical Consequences
- Behavior penalty
Mild Punishment- "Time-out"
A parent should never use harsh punishments or physical punishments. Punishments should be as mild as possible, while still being as effective as possible. A common mild punishment is to send the child or toy to "Time-out". If the negative behavior is caused by a toy, it is more effective to send a toy to time-out rather than the child. Time-out consists of separating the child or toy from everything else, and allowing the child time to realize why he is there, or why the toy is inaccessible. For some, this technique may work better than others.
Scolding Vs. Disapproval
Both Scolding and Disapproval have the same goal, yet they are completely different. Scolding is a common mistake a lot of parents make when attempting to correct the bad behavior of their child. Scolding involves firmly telling the child what they are doing wrong. Scolding often times is confused with yelling. Disapproval is a better technique to use for children who are more likely to scold or talk back. Disapproval is the act of firmly explaining how the actions of the child have disappointed you, and allowing guilt to correct the child's behavior.
Natural Consequences Vs. Logical Consequences
Natural consequences include allowing for nature to take its toll on the child. For example, if a child is refusing to wear a jacket in the cold weather... let her. the Natural consequence that corresponds with this example is that she will become cold and realize that she should have obeyed her parents.
Logical consequences include enforcing rules based on the situation. For example, if a child refuses to eat dinner, she will not receive any dessert. She will then realize the importance of eating dinner, even if it is just to take part in dessert.
Each situation may be different. One may require a natural consequence, and one my require a logical consequence, depending on the situation, along with the severity of the natural consequences.
Each situation may be different. One may require a natural consequence, and one my require a logical consequence, depending on the situation, along with the severity of the natural consequences.
Behavior Penalty
If a logical consequence can not be found, It is acceptable to use a behavior penalty. A behavior penalty is a mild consequence that may involve losing television privileges for 2 days, for example. Depending on the severity of the negative behavior, a more severe mild punishment may be in order, such as a week without television.
Abuse Vs. Discipline
Below is a satirical video referring to what is abuse and what is considered proper discipline. Every culture has a different perspective on how to properly discipline your child, however, some may seem more physical than they should.
Child Discipline
Regardless of your cultural beliefs, the best discipline techniques are those that do not involve any physical contact. Simply vocalizing your displeasure by far the best. Dr. Childress best describes how physical contact is not necessary. He also illustrates a very good technique of showing a stern face while explaining what the child did wrong, and then switching to a more positive expression and ending the confrontation with a much better understanding between parent and child.
Parenting & Discipline : How to Discipline Your Child Without Yelling or Spanking