What do you know?

1. What is discipline?
A. Spanking
B. Hitting
C. Guiding positive behavior

2. Hitting is a control behavior.
A. True
B. False

3. Your behavior as an adult teaches a child how to behave.
A. True
B. False

Positive Guidance

All children misbehave sometimes. This can happen for many reasons. The child may be hungry, tired, sick, bored, or scared. It is important to learn how to handle behavior problems in a positive way.

Discipline Vs. Punishment:

There is a difference between discipline and punishment. Discipline is guidance. It guides children toward positive behaviors, and teaches a child to think before acting. Punishment is any type of control behavior, such as hitting or spanking. It doesn’t teach children discipline. It only stops misbehavior for that moment.

Explain the reason for discipline.

Set limits--Make sure the children know what is expected of them.

Be positive--Tell children what you want them to do rather than what you do not want them to do.

Be a good role model--Practice the behavior you want them to master.

Respect the child-- Use words that do not reduce self-esteem.

Redirect the child’s attention--Lead the child to begin a new activity.

Give choices--Allow the children to make small choices to give them a sense of importance.

Be firm, but calm--Firmly state to the child what needs to be done and keep your cool.

Plan ahead--Try to avoid situations that will lead to trouble.

Consequences--Allow the children to face reasonable consequences to prevent the same behavior from happening again.

Praise the children--Tell the children when they have done a good job.