Good Parenting

What is the secret to child discipline? Is there one big secret or are there many little secrets? I believe there are many important factors in raising children and concerning discipline but I would like to share my three most important tips about what to do and what not to do:

1. Never discipline when you are angry. Parents who discipline out of anger are child abusers and bullies. Don’t go there, ever. It’s just not worth it. You should always wait until you are no longer feeling emotional before you hand out discipline.

2. Always be consistent with your discipline. Don’t ground a child one week for swearing but ignore the same behaviour a few days later. A child needs to know with a great deal of certainty “if I do this behaviour, then I will get this consequence”. Once parents can do this for their children, the child can know what will follow their actions. Be consistent also with positive consequences as your child needs plenty of them also.

3. Remember to build a relationship with your child before you ever try to discipline them. If you do not have a good relationship with your child then you really have no right to discipline them in the first place. Here’s the thing: when you build a friendship with your child they will trust you and you are earning the right to speak into their life. You need to be part of your child’s world in a meaningful way to earn that right. Discipline does not work any other way. It simply MUST be preceded with relationship.

If you remember the above tips, child discipline will become easier and more natural for you.