Discipline Your Children Positively
“Spare the rod, spoil the child,” used to be the common practice when raising children. But research shows that in the long term, spanking causes more harm than good and could result in kids having issues with anger, abuse and aggression as adults. So how do parents go about disciplining their children?
What is the purpose of discipline?
Some parents may think discipline means punishment. But actually, the purpose of discipline is educational – to teach children how to make appropriate choices and decisions on their own. With that in mind, discipline involves modeling good behavior, instruction about what is and is not OK and, like anything, practice to produce the desired result.
Should discipline techniques vary based on the child’s age?
Absolutely. Younger children might respond well to time-outs, whereas you might get your message across better with an older child if you take away their Wii or remove other privileges. Logical consequences also work well for older kids, so the child experiences the result of his actions.
Is it important to give children alternatives?
There are times and instances when children can’t be in charge of a choice – for example, when it’s a health or safety issue. So, to help them develop independence and learn how to make good choices – which is the purpose of discipline – they need opportunities to practice. So you might let them choose whether they want an apple or a banana for a snack, or whether they want to wear a red shirt or a green shirt.
Positive Discipline
- Communicate expectations and household rules
- Offer alternatives
- Reinforce the kind of behavior you want with praise and hugs
- Notice good behavior more often than you comment on bad behavior
Family & Children’s Services
www.fcsok.org
(918) 560-1243
