Wednesday, May 25, 2011

9 basic rules in disciplining children

I was reading abs-cbn site and found this article:

1. Know your child. Establish a close relationship with your child as early as possible. Find out her hobbies, her likes and dislikes, and the people she hangs out with.

2. Model good behavior yourself. If you want your child to knock first before opening a door, make sure you do the same thing.

3. Keep your child busy and physically active. Be creative. Children, just like older people, do not like taking orders.

4. Allow your child negative feelings. Tell your child that she also has the right to feel angry and frustrated, but emphasize that there is a proper way of expressing those feelings. Encourage her to do something productive, such as painting, dancing, or playing a musical instrument.

5. Teach emotional vocabulary as early as possible. Use your words, not your hands. Recognize your child's feelings by saying, "I know that you're angry or upset" before telling her what should or should not be done. Make her feel that she is not a bad person, but someone who has not behaved correctly in a particular situation.

6. Consistency is key. Never give in to your child's wants just because she threw a tantrum. Positive discipline is not about spoiling your child but about learning to stand your ground.

7. Make your consequence a teaching moment. Punishments should be aimed at making your child realize the consequences of her actions and take responsibility for them.

8. Praise good behavior. Be the kind of parent that your child can talk to, not one who would just scream at her when she does something wrong.

9. Do your level best. Cut yourself some slack and let your child know that even Mommy sometimes makes mistakes.

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