Creative Ways to Discipline a 7-Year-Old Child

Although the thought of punishing your "little angel" may bring tears to your eyes, it's essential to remain realistic about the importance of discipline. Allowing a 7-year-old to remain disobedient only makes it more likely that he'll continue or even worsen in behavior. Since habits are hard to break, it's important to identify and confront misbehavior as it arises. Using a variety of creative punishments can ensure that your child doesn't get used to any specific method. It also allows you to match the punishment to the offense better.

  1. Combat Bad Manners

    • Meet general bad manners with mandatory academic assignments to encourage your 7-year-old to behave properly. Delve deeper than merely requiring an essay about "The Importance of Good Manners." Consider turning the written assignment into a public speaking event, by making your child read his work in front of his church or school classmates.

    Combat Name-Calling

    • Confront name-calling with an opportunity to share positive feelings. Instruct your 7-year-old to write 10 positive statements for every negative statement she makes about other people. For example, catching your child calling her sister a "fat pig" would result in her writing 20 constructive affirmations about her sister. Once written, instruct your child to decorate and deliver the message without a scowl. Consider setting a timer to avoid allowing your child to prolong these "heartfelt" sessions.

    Combat Dishonesty

    • Battle dishonesty by turning your 7-year-old into a real life Pinocchio. Make your child wear a small plastic nose when he is caught being dishonest. Base the length of time he wears it on the severity of the lie he told. Construct a quick nose out of a paper plate and string when the main nose is out of reach or being worn by another child.

    Combat Poor Sportsmanship

    • Teaching young children not to brag when they win or act disruptively when they lose can be challenging. Ending these negative attitudes is essential for them to become well-adjusted competitors. Confront your "sore winner" or "sore loser" with a marathon of preschool shows about good sportsmanship. Explaining that "even preschool kids" know the importance of respectful behavior can get your child's attention. Shows such as "Little Bear" and "Barney" make excellent choices. Consider visiting the library to find toddler board books for your child to read aloud to you.

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