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Some parents think that discipline means punishment. But the best discipline helps your child learn what she did wrong--and how she can make a better choice in the future. Here are three keys to effective discipline: 1. Stay calm. If you lose your temper, you've also lost the upper hand. Giving in to an urge to scream teaches your child that it's okay to lose control when she's upset. 2. Be consistent. It doesn't take long for your child to learn whether you really intend to enforce rules. Say yes just once to watching TV before school and you'll have a battle every morning. Don't set rules unless you will consistently enforce them. 3. Avoid criticizing. Just describe the behavior. "It was Jen's time on the computer and you wouldn't quit playing your game." Then remind your child of the rule and of the consequence. Reprinted with permission from the March 2010 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2010 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: "Discipline Guide for Children," Keep Kids Healthy, www.keepkidshealthy.com/PARENTING_TIPS/discipline/index.html. |