Living your life day by day in the 'JOY' of the LORD!

Hello, my name is Dr. Mark Fielding.  I am glad you are visiting this page on the topic of - Child Discipline.  

Child Discipline :  Children are not born knowing how to be well behaved.  They need help and guidance from parents and other careers - and as all parents know 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, for instance - it just means he or she wants to find out more about her 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 & copying others. This is why parents need to behave in ways which set good examples.  It's important that we, as parents, show respect for children - Naturally, children who are shown respect themselves will show respect to others.  Although children need to know they are unique individuals, they also need to know they are part of a group too.  This is why we need to teach them to share, to listen to others and to take turns.  In other words, build into your child's character that which should be considered a 'normal lifestyle'.
   
   

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 them as 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 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 instance, may be the safest thing to do.  Always Praise and hug children when they co-operate, as this encourages them to behave well.
   
   

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 Don't expect more from children than they are capable of doing:
   expect a two year old to do the same.  Be tolerant and keep the child's age in mind.  Develop patience.  You will need it!
   
   

9. In the process of raising your child, be sure to be patient and longsuffering:
   
   It is irresponsible to slap a child for bad behaviour, this also includes such violence as throwing your child across a room or against a wall.  Such improper techniques will teach your child everything you do not what them to learn as they are growing up.  Problem solving is through loving communication, not through uncontrolled anger and bad acts involving violence.