How to Be Consistent With Child Discipline

Inconsistent discipline may confuse your child and even result in her misbehaving to test your limits, according to HealthyChildren.org. Although the day-to-day challenges of raising a child may make it a struggle to keep consistency, with some strategic planning and patience, it's entirely possible to accomplish.

Instructions

    • 1

      Create a clear set of rules that is age-appropriate and understandable for your child's developmental level. Start early -- during the late toddler or young preschool years -- and tell your child exactly what you expect of him.

    • 2

      State the consequences for breaking the rules. Connect each rule to a specific consequence, such as "If you don't clean up your toys after you are done playing with them, you can't watch your DVD." Always make the consequence consistent with the offense. For example, if your gradeschool-aged child skimps on her homework, taking away all of her screen time for a month is much too harsh of a punishment.

    • 3

      Transition your child from one type of discipline to another over time. Make a point of easing your child into a new type of consequence or discipline strategy over time, giving him the ability to make the adjustments without putting up a fuss.

    • 4

      Keep what you say positive. Tell your child what you want her to do, not what she is doing wrong. Clearly state what behaviors she needs to correct and how she can go about doing so every time discipline is necessary. Avoid leaving the guesswork up to her or constantly putting her down when you attempt to correct her actions.

    • 5

      Remain calm at all times. Put your temper on hold and act as a role model for your child. Take a deep breath, count to 10, and firmly state the rule that your child broke and what his consequence is.

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      Inconsistent discipline may confuse your child and even result in her misbehaving to test your limits, according to HealthyChildren.org. Although the day-to-day challenges of raising a child may make it a struggle to keep consistency, with some strat