Children need to learn the basics of child discipline and
responsibility from an early age so that rules and order are
established within the household, which can create a more balanced home
life. Enforcing limits also teaches kids to be respectful. Good
discipline includes structure, communication and understanding, as well
as correction.
1. Be Firm and Consistent
Think
about how to set reasonable limits, and then explain them so that they
may be easily understood and enforced. For example, the rules should be
spelled out and specified so that everyone understands what they are.
This is important so that the child is not confused and there is no
attempt to undermine the rules. It will also aid in getting your child
to listen and agree to behave according to the rules.
2. Put Rules in Writing
Write out all of the house rules so that there is no mystery as to
what is expected of family members. Refer to the house rules regularly,
and post them where everyone can see them. Using a chore chart can also
be a great tool in teaching accountability and responsibility, in
addition to the encouragement of contribution.
3. Teach Compromise but Give Choices
It
is not always possible for kids to tell the difference between the
little and larger issues. Therefore, it is necessary to give in on some
of the smaller things every once in a while, without violating major
rules. This will also give the child a satisfied feeling of being
listened to and heard, which could make it easier for the child to go
along with following the most important rules and structure.
When
a child breaks a rule, ask if he would like to do what he is supposed
to be doing or have a time out. In addition, children should learn
accountability by making amends for breaking rules, so that there are
consequences other than simply taking things away.
4. Hold Family Meetings
Regular
family meetings encourage communication between family members and can
establish good overall familial strategy for everyone. Use the family
meeting to discuss the house rules and work out disagreements or issues
that your children may have. Encourage participation and take into
account what your kids think and tell you so that it feels more like a
democracy than a dictatorship situation. This can also ensure better
participation from your kids in running the entire household and
gaining the most cooperation.
5. Create and Offer Incentives
The
development of the ability to engage in ethical decisions is an
important part of child development. Use incentives to encourage kids
to follow rules and behave appropriately. For example, if you use a
merit system, you can track behavior and attend to rule infractions
more effectively.Incentives such as allowance and other perks can be
used to teach the core values of behaving appropriately in society,
while assisting in having a more peaceful household. In the process,
respect and responsibility, essential parts of developing ethical
character, can be more easily leaned, for more balanced child
development.