How to Discipline Your Child at Any Age

Many people have disputed the various forms of discipline, each one believing that their way is the correct way. Through my research I have discovered that many people still believe spanking a child is the best form of discipline. Others think that a "time out" is the best way to go. I challenge you to consider that there is a full proof and perfect way to discipline a child it just isn't quite as simple as spanking or time-out. It takes a bit more control on your part and a lot more patience. However; if you can achieve this you will have peace in your home that you never knew existed and a solid relationship with your children that most people don't even realize is possible. Not to mention you can use this method at any age whereas you can't spank a 15 year old or give a 17 year old a time out. You could try, good luck with that.

I have three children of my own which has given me the opportunity to test my theories on three different human beings. I guess you could call them my guinea pigs. Nevertheless, I have unlocked the door and found the way to discipline a child at any age. First of all communication is one of the key elements in any situation. Before you say or do anything it's best to assess the situation and get all the details. Once you have gathered all the information give your child ownership of it all. Rather than getting angry try turning it around on them and ask them how they feel now that they broke the rules, give them sympathy because now they will have a consequence. Let them feel angry with themselves. There is never a reason to fight with your children or for them to get mad at you. By turning it around you will be forcing them to think before they act in the future, as well as helping them see the results from their actions and teaching them responsibility. Most of the time when a child does something wrong, the parent gets angry and all the child sees or hears is angry parent, they do not see what they did wrong. By stepping back and giving it to the child you are holding them accountable.

Let's say your child throws a toy across the room. You might be inclined to rush over, grab the toy and throw it in the trash. You may grab the child and rush them to their room. There are many ways to handle this situation, but nothing will make them stop throwing a toy better than saying, "Wow, that was a bad choice. I feel really bad for you, now you will have a consequence and you have walk all the way over there and pick it up. I wouldn't have done that. How do you feel about what you just did? I would be really upset with myself." It works like a charm. The child sees the error of their ways, there's no harmful confrontation between parent and child, and most importantly the child feels loved even at a time when they failed.

Sometimes the right choice of words can hurt much worse than any spank ever could, and leaves a longer impression on your child.