| Children certainly are hard to control, so it is important | | | | approach in order to change behavior. One of the |
| that we all remember back to our own childhood to try | | | | most common problems that I notice in the household |
| and come up with better ways for disciplining them | | | | is that Dad is always sitting at the computer, while |
| when it comes time to punish them. There is certainly | | | | Mom is wrestling with two fighting children. It is critical |
| no need for inflicting lasting pain on your child, which | | | | that both parents be intimately involved in not only |
| doesn't mean that I do not advocate spanking. | | | | disciplining children, but in rewarding them as well. When |
| Spanking is done, but very rarely. Other parenting | | | | done properly, there should be no reason for beating |
| techniques should take precedence before inflicting | | | | your child or putting hot sauce on his or her tongue. |
| any kind of pain on your child. | | | | At the risk of getting evangelical, we should do unto |
| Some families have even resorted to a highly | | | | others, as we would have them do unto us. I guess |
| controversial technique of dispensing hot sauce on the | | | | that includes the way we treat our kids. We want to |
| tongues of their naughty children. This technique has | | | | be treated with respect, acceptance, appreciation, and |
| raised eyebrows at many child protective agencies | | | | admiration, so we should do the same for our kids, |
| and even with state governments. | | | | especially in public. I know it's a tough road to take, but |
| The best suggestion is to take a parenting class. There | | | | just keep in mind that evil things always come easier |
| are many excellent programs offered free of charge | | | | to our minds than the good things. For the sake of our |
| that anyone can attend. The classes offer excellent | | | | kids, it is time to take a different stance. |
| insight into the psyche of your kids, as well as great | | | | Another excellent suggestion is to have a strong |
| advice on how to reward and how to punish. It is an | | | | network of friends, that have kids also, and get |
| interesting fact that as parents we often forget to | | | | together often with them to share your ideas and |
| reward our children for doing good things, but we | | | | experiences concerning parenthood. Join a church |
| rarely forget to punish them when bad things happen. | | | | group perhaps, and find ways to keep your children |
| We get bombarded every day with tips and advice | | | | active so that they stay out of trouble. There are tons |
| from people who do not have any children themselves, | | | | of free activities that your kids can do over the |
| so participating in a parenting class will allow you to get | | | | summer, and all through the school year as well. All it |
| feedback from people who also have kids and are | | | | takes from you is a little bit of your time and patience. |
| struggling like you are to find good ways to discipline | | | | If you spend that time and patience wisely, your |
| them. | | | | reward will be a lifetime of love and respect from your |
| Every kid is different, and needs a slightly different | | | | kids. |