Discipline Help
Some Helpful Advice
Here is some discipline help, a few suggestions that may improve your parenting,
possibly give you some parenting magic.
Think about how you tell your children to do things. Instead of saying "No Pushing, pushing is not nice," say, "When you want your brother to move say, "Move please, Tell him now."
Be sure you are giving your children usable information. Instead of saying Why isn't this homework done? Do you want to fail? Try saying something like You can start with your math homework or reading, which is best for you?"
Try to lead your children into making some of their own decisions, with little guidance from you. Sometimes asking questions, and listening to all of the answers, can lead your children to make intelligent decisions on their own. A simplified version of this is to ask "what would help you finish your homework by 8 P.M."
Encourage and praise your children every chance you get. Make
it a habit to praise far more than you discipline, or ridicule.
Tell them they are "doing a great job" whenever possibly and tell them
they "can do it, if they try" whenever they need it.
Allow your children to accept the responsibilities for their actions. If your child makes a bad decision that winds them up in trouble at school, try saying something like "I understand how disappointed you must be for having to stay after school every day next week." Empathy allows children to take responsibility for their actions, while lecturing allows them to blame you for their distress.
Teach your children how to handle their conflicts instead of punishing them for not knowing how. Started at an early it goes something like this. On sibling says, "He pushed me," you say, "did you like it?" The child will probably say "no." This is when you say "go tell your brother, I don't like it when you push me." Use these intrusive episodes as a way to teach assertiveness skill to your children.
And lastly, take back your power. You are, and must always be, in charge. Try this, instead of saying "you drive me nuts," try saying "I'm going to take a few deep breaths and calm down, then I will talk to you." Do not let your children control your emotions.
As you can see, the best discipline help we can give you is teaching ways to avoid the need for discipline. That's what the suggestions on this page are all about.
Related pages at Parenting Magic
General Parenting :
Discipline For Children :
Discipline Worries
Children And Consequence :
Consequence Wheel :
Child Safety
Discipline :
Connect With Your Teen :
Motivate Your Child
