Welcome to the Child Discipline Article. 

Children are not born knowing how to be well behaved.  They need help and guidance from parents and other care givers, and as everyone already knows this isn't always an easy job.  Here are some ways and tips suggested on Child Discipline.

1. Know what constitutes 'normal' behavior in children.
   
   Opening kitchen cupboards and dragging every saucepan on to the kitchen floor isn't naughty for a two year old child, it just means he or she wants to find out more about their surroundings.  It's also very common for four-year-olds to quarrel with their younger brothers and sisters.  These examples do not require any serious form of Child Discipline.
   

2. Talking to other parents with children of the same age:
   
   This is one way of finding out what is normal at what age, many parents are often relieved to learn that other children are behaving in much the same way.
   

3. Teaching children by way of example:
   
   One way children learn is by imitating and copying others. This is why parents need to behave in ways which set good examples.  It's important that parents show respect of their children.  Children who are treated with respect by their parents learn to respect themselves and will show respect for others when they become adults.
   

4. Think about what to say and how you speak to your child:
   
   Use the same tone of voice with children as you want people to use with you. Talk respectfully to them and about them.  It's very tempting to ridicule children in the hope that constantly pointing out bad behavior will make them stop doing it. But this often has the opposite effect. Children soon learn that they get attention by doing things parents don't like.
   

5. A better way to encourage good behavior is to remember to praise children often:
   
   This doesn't mean never reprimanding them for doing something wrong, but it's important to criticize the child's behaviour rather than the child as a person.  Instead of saying, "You are very naughty", say something like, "I don't like what you're doing", or, "We won't allow that kind of behavior".
   

6. Set limits for your child:
   
   Let children know what behavior is allowed and what isn't.  Setting limits makes them feel secure.  Be consistent about what is and what isn't acceptable.
   

7. Accept a child's right to say, "No", sometimes:
   
   Especially about things that affect only the child such as which clothes he/she wants to wear.  Remember that children need to learn that saying, "No", is sometimes a good thing.  Saying, "No", to strangers, for example, may well save their life.  Always Praise and hug children when they do the right thing, as this encourages them to develop good behavior as their standard.
   

8. Don't expect more from children than they are capable of doing:
   
   Although a five year old can be expected to sit still in a doctor's waiting room, you probably won't find the same good behavior in a two year old.   Be careful not to expect more from your child than they are capable of.  Be tolerant and keep the child's age in mind.
   

9. In the process of raising your child, be sure to be patient and longsuffering:
   
   It is irresponsible to slap a child for each and every bad behavior.  Parents who violently shake and throw a child that displeases them commits a criminal act.  Violence against your child will teach them similar trends when they become adults.  Be sure to communicate through acts and words of love and kindness.  You will be glad you did.