How to Discipline Without Spanking or Shouting

Children need discipline to help them grow into responsible adults. It is your duty as a parent to provide consistency and proper discipline at all ages of your child's development. Discipline does not consist of spanking or yelling, however. This only teaches your child that it's OK to treat others badly. Effective discipline takes effort, but pays off in the end when your child becomes a responsible adult.

Instructions

    • 1

      Remain calm. If you have to grab a young toddler, do so gently. Tell yourself to calm down and take a deep breath. Tell an older child to go to her room for 10 minutes; this gives you a chance to calm down and regain control before you talk to her.

    • 2

      Explain to your child why she was wrong. Do this with all children, even toddlers. For example, if your toddler hit another child, immediately pull her away. Proceed to tell her that hitting is unacceptable. Look your child in the eye and speak slowly. Ask an older child to repeat back the main points to be sure she understands.

    • 3

      Point out alternatives to the bad behavior. Don't just say, "No, that was wrong." If a child hit another child, say something like, "That was wrong. Next time you are angry, walk away." Provide solutions and help your child in the process of growing up.

    • 4

      Give consequences for actions. Your child must pay the price for her misbehavior, and she can't learn if she isn't punished. Give a young child a time-out and make the consequences longer and tougher as she gets older. You may feel badly if your child cries, but you must be firm. Remember, you are helping her grow up into a responsible person.

    • 5

      Positively reinforce good behavior. For example, if your child shares a toy with another child, tell her how much you appreciate her sharing. She needs to know you love and appreciate her. She will be less apt to act out if she gets attention for her positive behavior.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Influence Children
      Children learn what they live, and the surest way to influence a childs behavior is to model the behavior you want to encourage in your child. You are your childs first and best teacher. Very little escapes childrens notice, and every moment can be a
    • How to Supplement Your Child's Education
      Supplementing your childs education at home gives you a chance to expand on the concepts he learns at school. At home, your child is the only student and you can take this opportunity to tailor learning to meet his needs in creative ways. You could t
    • What is Interrole Conflict?
      Interrole conflict arises from a person occupying a certain role having issues when expectations foranother role occupied by that person comes into play. For example, interrole conflict can take place in a marriage when a woman is both a mother and a