| The important thing about establishing discipline is to | | | | cleaning up the bedroom without having to be |
| remain consistent in your speech, your actions and | | | | reminded means an extra hour of TV on the |
| your attitudes. Most importantly, you need to follow up | | | | weekend. |
| with action what you assert with words. If you are not | | | | * Once you have clarity on behavior actions and |
| consistent, you send confused signals to the child. Then | | | | rewards, you should explain the system to the children. |
| you can't blame him for not obeying you. How can he | | | | You'll be surprised that even very small children |
| abide by your wishes, if he doesn't even know what | | | | respond to rewards. It's a good idea to actively |
| you want him to do? | | | | engage the older children in this type of routine change; |
| You can't afford to neglect child discipline; but | | | | it will ensure better implementation and the system will |
| punishment tactics should be avoided as far as | | | | run smoothly and many child behavior problems will be |
| possible; they don't work. Try a reward system | | | | avoided. It will give them a sense of achievement and |
| instead. Rewards don't have to be tangible; a nod of | | | | participation in the household decision making process. |
| approval, a word of praise and a warm hug can work | | | | * It is most important that you follow through and keep |
| wonders. You can encourage positive children's | | | | a record. Keeping track of a lot of activities can be |
| behavior by positive reinforcement. It makes you and | | | | hard to do. Use the chart to keep track of where |
| your child feel good. And, it saves time on the yelling. | | | | each child stands. This is also a visual reinforcement. |
| Don't know where to start with establishing a reward | | | | Following these three steps will help you get started in |
| system? Here are some parenting help steps to help | | | | establishing a reward-based child discipline system in |
| you get started. | | | | your home to help make sure things get done. By |
| * Parents should sit down and discuss discipline | | | | rewarding good child behavior and the accomplishment |
| problems threadbare. Together you should set up a list | | | | of child discipline tasks, you set a positive foundation |
| of child behavior actions and rewards, for example, | | | | for self-esteem. |