Effective Discipline Techniques for Children…

The word discipline means to impart knowledge

or skills. Basically, it means to teach. Often

though instead discipline is used as punishment

and control period there's a lot of controversy

around the appropriate ways to discipline children

and often parents can become very confused

about what ways are effective to set limits and

instill self-control in children.

To be effective, discipline needs to be given by an adult with an affective

bond to the child. It also must be consistent and close to the behavior needing

change. It also should be perceived as fair by the child, it needs to be

developmentally and temperamentally appropriate and it needs to lead to self-

discipline.

Regardless of the developmental stage and age of a child there are some basic

principles that can help guide us in choosing effective discipline strategies with

children.

One of those things can be to help children organize themselves to internalize

rules and to acquire appropriate behavior patterns. Effective discipline does not

instill shame, negative guilt or a sense of abandonment or loss of trust instead it

instills a greater sense of trust between the child and parent. We also should be

taking in what is influencing our child's misbehavior for example if a child is under

a lot of stress or disadvantaged or impaired, we want to change how we are using

discipline techniques with them.

For infants:

Infants need a schedule around feeding, sleeping and play or interaction with

us. A schedule helps regulate autonomic functions and provides a sense of

predictability and safety for children infants shouldn't be overstimulated they

should be allowed to develop some tolerance to frustration and the ability to

soothe at times discipline should not involve techniques such as timeout

spanking or consequences at this stage.

Early toddlers (1-2 years of age):

In the early toddler stage, it's normal for toddlers to experiment with control

and to exercise their own will. Discipline interventions are necessary to ensure

that they are safe, to limit their aggression and to prevent destructive behavior.

Simple discipline techniques such as removing a child or object with a firm no

while redirecting them to an alternative activity usually work. Toddlers are very

susceptible to fears of abandonment and time outs should not be used. Toddlers

are also not verbal or mature enough to respond to verbal corrections more than

no thank you.

Late toddlers (2-3 years old):

In late toddlerhood, children struggle for independence continues. The child

often becomes frustrated realizing the limitations and these can lead to a lot of

temper outbursts. This does not necessarily mean that this child is willful or angry.

Caregivers should have empathy realizing the meaning of these manifestations.

At the same time the caregiver should continue to supervise, set limits and

routines, and have realistic expectations of the child's achievement capabilities.

Knowing the child's pattern of reactions can help prevent situations later.