Teaching Your Child to Behave

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The Four R's of Punishment

Parenting, Teaching Links

1. Tell the child what you want. Rather than saying, "don't run, tell the child, "walk."

2. When a child misbehaves, rather than punish give them choices....."If you want to run around and be noisy, go outside to play. If you'll be quiet, you can stay in the house." If the child becomes noisy again simply say, "I see you've decided to play outside." Then escort him out.

3. Express your disapproval without attacking your child's character. Instead of saying, "Your toys are all over again! You are so Lazy!" Tell him, "I don't like it when you leave toys out."

4. State what you do want....."I expect you to put your toys away before you go outside."

5. Use AS SOON AS to avoid punishing or bribing....."As soon as you wash your hands you may eat lunch." If the child doesn't wash his hands he won't get to eat.

7. When you say no, mean it! Saying no, but changing it to a yes if the child cries or complains only teaches your children that you'll relent if they pester you enough. .

©Martha A. Burich
email: marthab@goodparentsense.com

You can find many more tips in the book: Good Parent Sense

Lack of discipline leads to frustration and self-loathing.

Marie Chapian