As a parent one of the most important things to ensure is discipline. Discipline is the process of teaching your child what type of behaviour is acceptable and what type is not acceptable. In other words, discipline teaches a child to follow rules.
What are the Effective discipline tools?
Many tools can be used in parenting, there is positive reinforcement, modelling, and sometimes, punishments are also an effective tool but that doesn’t mean that good discipline is mostly about punishments.
Styles of Parenting
Authoritative
An authoritative parent has clear expectations and consequences and is affectionate toward his or her child. The authoritative parent allows for flexibility and collaborative problem solving with the child when dealing with behavioural challenges. This is the most effective form of parenting.
Authoritarian
An authoritarian parent has clear expectations and consequences but shows little affection toward his or her child. The parent may say things like, “because I’m the Mommy, that’s why.” This is a less effective form of parenting.
Permissive
A permissive parent shows lots of affection toward his or her child but provides little discipline. This is a less effective form of parenting.
Strategies that can be used in Parenting
Give rewards
Reward good behaviours this is the best way to encourage your child to continue doing good it.
Show them all actions come with consequences
When ever your child does something wrong, let them see and experience the result of that behaviour.
Taking away privileges
Sometimes there isn’t a logical or natural consequence for a bad behaviour or you don’t have time to think it through. In this case, the consequence for unacceptable behaviour may be taking away a privilege.
How about Physical punishment?
Physical punishment, such as spanking, isn’t recommended by the American Academy of Paediatrics or mental health associations because nonphysical discipline techniques work better with fewer negative consequences. Research has shown that spanking make children more aggressive, becomes more violent, harm the child and make them think that it’s OK to physically hurt someone you love.
As parents also learn to communicate your discipline plan, stay respectful to your child and be consistent.