| How do you discipline your child? Do you smack | | | | understand what I am saying? It is of the utmost |
| them? Do you yell at them? Do you put them in the | | | | importance for parents to get things right, otherwise |
| corner for time out? The word "discipline" actually | | | | our children will not follow. |
| means to teach or instruct. That should be a big hint | | | | There are still times when we need to enforce the |
| for parents. Discipline doesn't actually have to be | | | | rules by giving out consequences to our children. It is, |
| punishment. There is a difference. | | | | however, important that our kids know in advance |
| Punishment is when you do something to your child | | | | what these consequences will be for certain |
| because of bad behaviour, like smacking or grounding | | | | behaviours. You can even write a list and stick it on |
| them. Discipline does not have to be an occurence; it | | | | the wall in the bedroom. This helps the children by |
| would be more likely to be a lifestyle. When we want | | | | letting them decide if they are willing to misbehave and |
| our children to behave we have certain expectations | | | | take the consequence. When you can get this |
| for them, right? So in order for us to get our kids to | | | | happening, discipline becomes much easier. The kids |
| obey the rules, we need to be first be obeying them. | | | | end up disciplining themselves. When they do |
| I'm very serious here. | | | | something wrong they know what is coming their way. |
| Think about the little things. When you are looking for a | | | | However you choose to discipline, you need to adhere |
| car park at the Mall and there are no parks anywhere, | | | | to a few basic rules: do the same thing consistently, |
| how do you react? Your kids are watching you. If you | | | | don't back down when you have decided on a |
| show patience and courtesy to other drivers your kids | | | | consequence, and let your children know that they are |
| will be likely to do the same. This is leading your | | | | loved despite their behaviour. When you do this, your |
| children correctly. And when you do this properly, | | | | kids will begin to flourish and child discipline will become |
| having to discipline becomes much less likely. Do you | | | | easier. |