How to Most Effectively Discipline Your Child

As a parent, it's often very tempting to just give in to your child and let them have their way, than fight what seems like a losing battle. This is especially true, when it comes to disciplining them. If you're like most other parents, you know the routine: Begging, crying, pleading, bartering, screaming, maybe kicking, punching, and maybe even throwing things. A lot of kids will do anything they can, in their power, to prevent them from being punished for their bad behavior.

The most important thing when this happens is to not give up. Whatever you do, don't give up your will power to stick with it. When you're having fights with your child over discipline, these are the most critical times to stay consistent with your discipline. This is absolutely necessary if you want your child to engage in good behavior and follow the rules. There should absolutely be no room for negotiation, when it comes to disciplining your child. You are the one in control, or at least should be, and your child needs to know this.

Successful discipline starts with well understood rules. It is just as critical to be consistent with the punishment at the time of the infraction, as it is to have clear rules with your child. By having clearly defined rules, you allow you're helping your child grow. You're helping to teach them about appropriate choices and behavior. You're also helping to instill in them the concept that there are consequences for actions. Good behavior warrants praise from us and rewards. On the other hand, bad behavior will not be tolerated by us, and there will be punishment.

If the rules are discussed beforehand, it will be easier for you to feel more in control, when a rule is broken. You will feel more confident and authoritative. They knew the rule; they broke the rule, now you are going to enforce the rule, through discipline. Children are a lot cleverer than we give them credit for. By nature, they are inquisitive and curious. It is through these attributes; they will try and test us and our rules.

They will try and see what our reaction is when they try and bend our rules. How we react to their tests will determine their future behavior. This is why it is so important to be direct, firm, and authoritative. They need to know by your tone and actions that negotiation and further bad behavior will not be tolerated. You will follow through on the punishment. If you have to chase them for 2 hours and put them in their time out spot, do it. These are the most tempting times to give up, but you can't. If you give up, they will know they can get away with bad behavior, and you won't stick with the punishment.

As long as you stay after them for whatever amount of time it takes, they will eventually give up. They will realize you're not playing, and you're not going to give up. They will tire out and finally become submissive to the punishment. You will feel a great sense of satisfaction when this moment comes. When their punishment is over, talk to them and empathize with them. Prior to putting them in time out, you should tell them what rule they broke and that's why they are in time out. Afterward, you should reiterate why they were put in time out. You should make them look at you and tell you sorry for whatever behavior it was they were put in time out for. When they give a genuine apology, give them a hug and a kiss. Tell them you love them.

If you are having problems disciplining your child, it's important to discuss and make clear to them the rules and the type of behavior that will not be tolerated. If your child decides to break the rule, give them a warning. If they continue breaking the rule, administer the punishment. Whatever you do, do not give up with the punishment. Your child will only use your lack of will power to their advantage and worsen their behavior.

Consistency will become your ally in the war against bad behavior.