discipline child

Even though grandparents are favorite of children, there are certain behavior that grandparents would to see in grandchildren. Disciplining child with love and affection helps children to learn how to behave and not to behave. Guiding and bringing those behavioral changes helps child to have a loving relationship with child.

Parents need to remember that discipline does not mean (always) punishment. If the discipline strategies are positive, then children will listen to parents.

Always recognize good behavior: Giving attention to child is critical and young child wants that attention. If the good behavior goes unnoticed, child will escalate to bad behavior just to get attention. Acknowledge child’s good behavior and when child helps others or talks nicely. Use encouraging words and note child’s behavioral improvement every time. Compliment child for behaving well.

Offer choices: When you tell child what to do, what to wear, what not to do they develop stiffness and feel sort of dependency all the time. This will lead to anger and frustration and temper tantrums. Instead, give child choice and let child chose what he wants. This eliminates the anger and option of saying rude “no” and child will feel empowered.

Time out or taking away objects: If child throws tantrums and uncontrollable, tell to stop and tell child to sit in a quiet place where you can see child. There should not be any distraction around – no toys, no TV, no mobile, no video games. Or take away something that child likes only temporarily.  And, explain child what wrong was done, why behavior was not good and how child should do better next time. Sitting and giving few minutes of thinking about behavior, taking away favorite toy will help child to realize between good and bad. When you use time out for certain behaviors, child knows what to expect when the behavior is not good!

Do not smack: Smacking does not teach children how to behave. Smacking only makes mattes worst or child will likely to develop challenging behavior – anger and anxiety that you will find hard to manage. Instead, explain what went wrong with child’s behavior and use one of the option mentioned above.

Sleep pattern: Refusal to get up on time and going to bed at night are two battles every parents face. These two routines must be introduced and make it happen in children life. Moreover, children need good amount of sleep. Disciplining with bedtime and raising up morning on time helps children to go through day to day activities without any trouble.

Teach child what is good behavior and what is expected. Children learn by watching others and especially parents. Show your children the good behavior by doing it yourself. Be an example and role model.

Listen to grandma: Healthylife.werindia.com

Image credit: Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels