How to Discipline a Child According to Age

Although you may shake you head when your teen acts like your toddler, you can't use the same discipline techniques for both age groups. Depending on your child's age, you'll need to switch your discipline strategies and use what makes the most sense for her developmental level. According to the child development professionals at the KidsHealth website, the key to effective discipline -- at any age -- is consistency. That said, you'll need to adjust your rules, consequences and tactics as your child grows into a more mature thinker and develops the ability to regulate her emotions.

Instructions

    • 1

      Speak a firm "No" to your infant or toddler when he misbehaves. Avoid lengthy discussions that your tot can't understand or sit through. Stop your young child from unwanted actions with as few words as possible. Get down on his level and firmly tell him to "Stop."

    • 2

      Use a timeout technique with your toddler, preschooler or young elementary school-aged child. Remove your child from the sticky situation that's bringing on a tantrum or troubling behavior. Place your child in her timeout spot -- a special place that is free from distractions such as other kids or the TV. Use one minute of timeout time per year of your child's age.

    • 3

      Give your preschool-aged child rules to follow and consequences if he breaks them. Establish clear rules that are simple enough for a 3- to 5-year-old to comply with. Tell him the rules and give him the consequences before he breaks them. Create consequences that fit the behavior or offense and are age-appropriate. For example, if your 4-year-old son won't clean up his toy trucks, he can't play with them for the rest of the day.

    • 4

      Allow natural consequence to work their magic with your older elementary or middle school student. Let your child make her own decisions, learning from the consequences that result. For example, if she decides to talk to her friend on the phone instead of studying, she may fail tomorrow's test.

    • 5

      Take away privileges when your teen breaks a rule. Give your tween or teen consequences that will make an impact such as losing access to the family car for the weekend, an earlier curfew or grounding him on a Saturday night.

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