Discipline even with small children is necessary, or you will have to deal with unruly children. They must learn right from wrong, but it is best to approach discipline in a supportive but firm manner. decide what is unacceptable to you and don’t tolerate it. You are the adult, don’t let your child run the house, even if her misbehavior is cute or funny, don’t laugh at her or she will enjoy the attention and the behavior will escalate. You will find some tips to prevent tantrums, start the method from the first few days and you should find it very helpful.
Parents who lose control, yelling or swearing at their children will have problems with discipline, they learn to stay calm instead of getting angry. They are setting a very bad example and as your son gets older they will lose respect for him. The child will think that it is habitual parenting behavior and will treat their children in a similar way, thus recycling this failed parenting.
The either or method is a great way to deal with resistance from young children, offering your choice of two alternatives. For example, which sock do we put on first, the left or the right? Which spoon shall we use the blue one or the shiny one? Young children want to show their independence and are frustrated, but they don’t have the language skills to explain, so they throw a tantrum. With practice this will help prevent many situations. Make this a habit from the first days.
Discipline begins with understanding your child, communicating with him empathetically in an environment where he feels safe to discuss his thoughts and problems when he is old enough or, in the meantime, safely vent his feelings and anger. They should know that you love them unconditionally no matter what and feel safe. If in a fit of rage your child declares, “I hate you,” find out what is bothering him and making him so angry. He understands that they are frustrated by something; don’t let him push your buttons.
At this young age, your child doesn’t know of a better way to communicate his anger and frustration and may act like a tornado. However, they are secretly scared by their emotions and need your help, not your anger, to calm down. I’m sure you’ve seen hysterical crying children in supermarkets, dragged along by harassed, stressed and embarrassed parents.
I have already mentioned the distraction and conflict reduction method, it really is a time saver with the little ones; if you get into the habit it becomes second nature and laughter releases tension and makes it fun. Stay calm no matter what and avoid yelling. If you remain calm and speak quietly, you will calm the child down and calm him down. If necessary, take a deep breath or count to ten. You are the adult; Demonstrate how to control anger, and your child will gradually learn to control anger as well.
If when you were little your parents yelled at you, you may think that is the best way to discipline a child, I prefer a softer approach, but with firm limits and consistency. Staying calm is a much more successful method and prevents a small incident from becoming a major event. It is important to set limits, which will change as your child grows. Older children can contribute ideas about rules and limits, if they feel heard they are more likely to respect your wishes.
You are the adult and you will have the last word. Be firm in the things that are important to you and constant in your dealings. Children need to be clear about what is acceptable to you and what the limits are. Teaching your child to behave the way you want him to by praising good behavior, not constantly criticizing, and leading by example; don’t yell, swear or lose your temper, and be respectful of others, behave with caring empathy towards others and your children will have good guidelines to follow.
If you want to see what goes on in a home, watch small children play “Mummy’s and Daddy’s.” This is a favorite in the nursery, you will see the child’s home life represented, with screaming or spanking or calm and practical action.
