Discipline with thought. (How to Discipline Children)

Member Name: masonsmum

Product:	How to Discipline Children
Date:	14/01/09 (117 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Doing what works best for your child.

Disadvantages: Being the Bad Guy

How to discipline children? There is no method that will work for all. I am mother to three, my eldest is 4 in April, my middle child is 2 and half and my baby is 3 months.

When it comes to deciding how to discipline my children, I take quite a few factors into consideration. First of all, I prefer to pick my battles, so if it isn't something dangerous or what I class as essential, then I wont do much in the way of discipline. I see many parents, and yes myself too, discipline children for being, well, children. Disciplining simply because they are finding their child's behaviour irritating rather than 'naughty'.

So...if my child's behaviour warrants discipline, I then think about whats best. For example, my eldest is very head strong and quite full of herself (in a nice way). I wouldn't say she is sensitive. She thrives on attention, so the best method for her is the naughty corner, for 3 minutes. Once her time is up, I then need to make sure she understands what behaviour warranted having to use the naughty corner. I will ask her to tell me why, and if she doesn't know (rare), I will explain it and ask her not to repeat it. After that its a cuddle and all is forgotten.

My middle child however is a very sensitive wee thing, and cant bear it if she upsets me. Based on her personality and being younger, I don't often use the naughty corner. Instead I will just get down on her level and ask her to stop. Once she does, I will award her a sticker, something that she loves, and is gradually helping build her confidence.

I went through a stage of smacking, but it achieved nothing. Smacking for the most is done in my opinion, out of anger mostly, to try to bring instant results. Its not something I would consider anymore.

Taking away privileges is another method and the one I tend to keep for the more serious misdemeanors.

I think it is imperative that once you have found a method that works for you and your child, that you stick to it. Children need boundaries and consistency to learn. For instance, I know fine well it would confuse my eldest if I punished her with the naughty corner, say for hitting her sister, then the next day, take away a privilege instead.

Finally I think its important for parents to be in charge when it matters. Sometimes you have to be the bad guy, out of love for your child. There is no need to be a sergeant major, or a push over, but somewhere in between, with consistency should do!

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