Ideas on Discipline

The goal of discipline is to help children build their own self-control. Discipline techniques are often age specific and may need to change as your child grows and develops. When your child makes a mistake, focus on the behavior not the child. Remember that it only becomes a mistake when you don't learn from it.

• Help your child understand your expectations of his/her behavior.
• Discuss consequences of misbehavior before it occurs. Have the child help set the consequence.
• Give praise often so your child knows how well he/she is doing.
• Realize problems can be expected when your child is hungry, bored, tired, or frustrated.
• Give your child safe choices.
• Don't wait to deal with your child until you have been pushed past your limit.
• Teach your child appropriate behavior by modeling appropriate behavior.

• Understand that misbehavior is often a sign of an unmet need. Look deep, recognize the cause of the misbehavior, and deal with that also.
• Step in immediately when a child is harming him/herself or others.
• Let your child know why he/she is being disciplined, if misbehavior continues.
• Be consistent in disciplining your child to avoid confusion. It is helpful for both parents to agree on discipline styles and expectations.
• If you and the mother disagree on discipline styles and expectations, help your child understand and adjust to the inconsistencies. Explain that in the "real world" there can be different expectations and standards.
• Use calm, positive words instead of threatening language.
• Be sure consequences fit the behavior and that they are realistic and enforceable.