Beyond Spankings and Time Outs - a Few Ideas to Make Punishments More Effective

The debate on whether it is right to spank your child has been raging for quite some time. It may have began when Adam and Eve were raising Cain and Abel! While there are mainly 2 schools of though on the subject, the goals of both child rearing camps is to identify and correct erroneous behavior.

I am not immune to the debates but, I find myself somewhere in the middle of the spanking vs. time out madness. Everyone has their own method, although some people are more successful in their endeavors than others. I have found that the best way to deal with inappropriate behavior is to remain consistent and unpredictable.

Children are not robots and neither are their actions. The resulting punishment needs to swiftly address the offense and reinforce the needed lesson. I have composed a list of spanking and time out alternatives. I employ a number of corrective methods when attending to the erroneous behavior of my children. The methods listed are just a few of my favorites. No matter which method you deem appropriate , always remember to be reasonable in your corrective efforts.

Exercise Method. Although I may be longing for my military days, I have found this technique to be extremely helpful. You will be amazed at how a few minutes of overhead arm claps or jogging in place will calm savage child behavior. The exercise method is a great way to channel negative child energy into positive listening and command executions. This can be done in a scheduled or impromptu format.

Essay Method. Is your child constantly talking back to you? Allow them to express their thoughts on paper. The writing assignment can vary from a simple essay entitled "The Benefits of Obedience" to a research paper detailing ancient Mayan ruins. Be creative in helping your child channel their thoughts. The goal is to refine their oratorical skills. Maybe the message your child is attempting to express is valid. Some people just need a little more instruction on how to deliver their thoughts.

Manual Labor Method. Is your child lazy and unorganized? Why not help them with a heaping portion of yard work or garage maintenance. After completing a seemingly endless task, your child will begin to appreciate sweeping the floor. Children need to learn the value of hard work and appreciation of leisure time. There is truly a time and place for everything.

Assembly Line Method. Is your child inattentive to the most basic tasks and requests? There is no better way to alleviate your child of this issue than by having them follow craft patterns. Painting tiny wreaths on dozens of glittered Christmas ornaments is the perfect way to practice following directions. This task is just an example of a way to actively engage your child's time, mind, and concentration.

There is no simple answer to choosing a punishment method that best suits your child or the initiated offense. Rather than severely limit your options, remain open minded and feel free to experiment!