Discipline

You are a parent and you find yourself with challenges that all parents must face. You wonder how you are going to do it and how you are going to handle certain situations in the daily grind of life.

So how can parents not lose control?


Rule #1: Don’t panic.
When discipline problem arise, remain calm and in control.


Rule #2: Have a Behavior Management System.

The Four Components of (just about) Any Good Classroom Behavior Management System

Yes, this is for a classroom, but this article has some really good ideas that can be used at home.


Rule #3: Have Rules.
If your family does not have rules you need to write up some.

When writing your rules, state rules in a positive manner. Rules should tell children what they are supposed to do, not just what to avoid.

Devise consequences for when rules are violated. They must be related to the offence, respectful, and reasonable.

Go over rules and consequences thoroughly (giving examples for each rule) with your children and post them so everyone can see it. Make sure that each child understands the rules and consequences. You can also type it up or use pictures to show the rules and consequences. Have each child read and sign the rules just like a contract.

Example:


Rules

We will be kind to everybody.

We will use inside voices.

We will walk inside the house.

We will listen to our parents and follow directions.

We keep our hands, feet, and objects to ourselves.

We respect others and their property.

We will clean up after ourselves.


Consequences

1st time- Verbal reminder to show the correct behavior. (Example: Tommy, we use our inside voices when we are in the house.)
*Or for older kids you can skip to losing a privilege when they break a rule.

2nd time- TIME OUT (amount of time specified)

3rd time- Lose a privilege (privilege(s) specified)


Rule #4: Reinforce Good Behavior.
Catch Them Being Good (Example: Thank you Tommy for using your inside voice.)


Rule #5: Be Consistent.
Always keep to the rules and follow through with consequences.