Present A Unified Parental Front When Disciplining Your Child
Disciplining your child is never easy. You probably know from experience and mistakes how important it is to be consistent, firm and to always follow through with designated disciplinary consequences. But when there are two parents involved, it’s crucial they are both on the same page and apply discipline consistently regardless of marital status.
Parents should agree on how to discipline their children. To become reliable to children, both parents must be consistent in dealing with similar situations. In a situation where the parents are separated or divorced, disagreeing with each other over upbringing can create a confusing situation for children. They should make a concerted effort to keep their child’s best interests at heart and sit down with their child and line out the rules and expectations and the consequences for violating those rules. Both should agree that the intended discipline is fair, and apply it consistently in a firm yet fair manner in each home.
In addition, if there are disagreements regarding discipline or other parenting issues, they are best resolved when the child is not present. If the child senses discord, they may attempt to manipulate the situation to their advantage.
When teaching good behavior, parents should "practice what they preach." Children learn values and beliefs more by examples adults set than by verbal instructions. Screaming at a child to be quiet or paddling a child for hitting is hypocritical and ineffective. Decide what is important and what parental response to use to teach your child. It would be more effective to calmly tell your child to be quiet or use "time-out" when a child is physically aggressive.
And remember what works now may not work later down the road. Situations may dictate a different approach, and time and maturity may demand a child’s rule be modified or abolished altogether. Sometimes your common sense will help you decide when bedtime rules should be modified or table manners relaxed. Some rules will be the same, others will be modified or abolished, and new ones will be introduced. But regardless of the situation, parents should always present a unified front and work together and not against each other in providing effective discipline for their child.
More Articles
Follow Through Is The Key To Successful Discipline
The Positive Influence Of Being Involved In Your Child’s Education
Encourage Your Child To Feel Important
The Importance Of A Regular Routine To Your Child
Get Involved In Your Child’s Activities, Hobbies And School
Time Outs Help Reinforce Positive Behavior And Discourage Misbehaving
Clear Expectations Make Discipline Easier
Connect With Your Child But Don’t Overdo It
Related Products And FREE Videos
More Articles
Expect Only The Best From Your Child
... opinions of them with their positive actions. So expect nothing but the best from your children and watch them fulfill your expectations. Praise your child often when they perform a good deed or accomplish a new task. Set simple, clear and consistent rules so your child knows exactly what is expected ...
Handling Conflict About Rules Enforcement At Home
... may gripe and complain and get upset when you become the enforcer, they realize deep down that this shows you care. These parameters you set forth and enforce make your child feel loved, safe, and secure. It s never easy developing and introducing rules. Parents may tend to avoid setting rules because ...
Chores Can Help Your Child Learn About Teamwork And A Strong Work Ethic
... start performing the chore, but show them where improvement is needed and praise them for a strong effort. Also make sure the child understands there will be repercussions if they only put forth a minimal effort. Ensure the child understands the need for the chore s effective and efficient completion. ...
“Because” Just Isn’t The Answer
... can t be late. It is also a great opportunity for you to reiterate the consequences of breaking the rule. If you are not home by 10 p.m., you ll be grounded from going to your friend s house for a week. Be consistent, be firm, and be clear. Though your child may challenge you by asking your reasoning ...
Clear Expectations Make Discipline Easier
... action should be forged that both parents and child can agree upon. If necessary, make a contract between parent and child. Lay it all out in black and white, in language your child can clearly understand. For younger children, you might want to develop a good behavior chart within the contract, and for ...