Being a parent can be hard. We all want kids to learn to behave.
Discipline is a way to teach your child that behavior has consequences.
Kids learn to manage feelings and disappointments when discipline is clear and consistent
It takes self-control, patience and time on your part.
Set up a discipline plan for your family:
Decide what behaviors are OK to you - what do you want your kids to do?
Decide what rewards to give for good behavior.
Decide what consequences follow negative behavior.
Keep it simple. Let children know what to expect.
Set clear rules and remind your child what they are and what will happen if they break rules.
Be firm and consistent. Let caregivers know how you discipline your kids so everyone is
doing the same thing.
Quick tips to keep in mind:
Remain calm. Correct behavior when it happens, unless you're too upset.
Even though some behaviors can be annoying, most are best ignored.
Telling your child how to behave is important but showing your kids how to behave is part
of being a good role model.
Catch your kids being good. Give them rewards for the behaviors you want.
Show your kids you love them. Hug them a lot. Tell them you are proud of them. Praise is
powerful. Remember that your children are just learning about their world and need your
guidance and support.
Don't lose your cool. The best way to handle your child's anger is to handle your own. We
all lose it sometimes; when that happens, take a time-out yourself to cool-off before going back to your child.
If you'd like to talk to someone, please talk to your child's nurse or doctor.
Helpful Resources
The National Parent Helpline | www.nationalparenthelpline.org
If you need someone to listen to you, call the National Parent Helpline®. The Helpline is open to parents and
caregivers of children of all ages. Call 1-855-427-2736, Monday through Friday from 10 am to 7 pm PST.
A trained advocate is ready to:
listen to you
help you problem-solve
encourage you to take care of yourself
work with you to get connected to local services
help you build on your own strengths and continue to be a great parent
If you're interested in reading more about discipline:
"1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children Ages 2-12: by Thomas Payton; Child Management, 1996.
"How to Talk so Kids Will Listen, How to Listen so Kids Will Talk" by Faber and Mazlish; First Avon Books, 1999.
