My Kids Just Won’t Listen

Disciplining children means teaching them, not just punishing them. It’s an ongoing process of helping kids understand what behavior is acceptable and how to “fit in” what you- and the world – expect. Remember what you are trying to foster – a pleasant, independent person, not a perfectly behaved one.

1. Change the environment. Put away things you don’t want your child to get into and have places that are safe for kids to explore; kids younger than four just can’t resist touching things.
2. Prevent boredom with interesting playthings. These do not have to be expensive toys. Rotate play materials so kids always have something “new.”
3. Make a few rules, but make them count. Rules should be reasonable and appropriate for your child’s age, and they should be enforced consistently.
4. Set a good example. Children imitate what they see around them.
5. Give choices when you can – we all want some control of our lives, even kids.
6. Make sure you have your child’s attention when you talk to him. Say his name, touch him, and look him in the eye before you give instructions.
7. Give warning time, tell the child 5 to 10 minutes before one activity will end and another will begin.
8. Spend time with your children. They need undivided, personal attention on a regular basis.
9. Use more “do’s” than “don’t’s”.
10. Forget perfectionism; don’t sweat the small stuff.
11. Catch your child being good and give attention and praise for all the steps toward the desired behavior.
12. Stay away from “backhanded praise” and make sure your praise is purely positive whenever you can.
13. Physical punishment (hitting) shows kids that violence is the way you think problems should be handled. Other ways work better and cause less damage.