Disciplining Your Young Child
The most effective method of discipline changes with your child’s age. As simple as that sounds, it can be tricky for parents to keep up. This is partly because the best forms of discipline are subject to constant debate by doctors and childcare professionals. Every parenting handbook you open will give you a different set of rules to follow. More important than the method of discipline you choose, however, is your consistency in following it. No matter how varied their opinions on spanking may be, every childcare professional agrees that if you don’t keep to your rules, neither will your child.
Consistency is especially important as your child begins to interpret the consequences of his behavior. This typically begins around the age of three. At this point you should take the time to explain to your child why his or her behavior is unacceptable. Punishing a young child without giving a reason is ineffective because your child has not yet developed his sense of right and wrong. Don’t expect a behavior problem to be solved the first time you discuss it with your child. You should expect him to repeat his actions, and this is where consistency comes in: you must react each time the behavior comes up. If you make sure your child cleans up his messy room before he goes out to play, he will eventually form a habit of making sure his room is clean before asking you if his friend can come over. On the other hand, if you frequently let your child leave his clothes or toys all over the floor, you cannot expect him to develop clean habits.
Another mistake parents make in disciplining their child happens when each parents doles out different punishments for the same behavior. If Mom turns a blind eye to the occasional temper tantrum while Dad gives a strict punishment each time their child loses control, the child will not learn that tantrums are unacceptable and his behavior will not change. Parents should make a habit of discussing their child’s behavior with each other and deciding on an appropriate response they will both take each time it happens. Whatever form of discipline you choose, it’s crucial that you act every time.
Never underestimate the power of praise. When your child controls his behavior in a difficult situation or successfully picks up his toys before starting a new activity, let him know that you’ve noticed. It’s a lot easier to reward your child than it is to punish him, and some doctors believe it’s more effective as well. Discipline doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult if you take simple measures and stick to your rules.
