Varying Discipline Techniques for Different Age Groups

Infants and Toddlers

• Discipline is not needed for infants, according to University of Maine Cooperative Extension human development specialist Judith Graham, in her article, "Discipline that Works: The Ages and Stages Approach." Between the ages of 0 and 2, babies will start to develop curiosity and may want to interact with household items that could be dangerous. Parents should simply say ̶0;No,̶1; and remove the item, according to KidsHealth.org. Requiring a one- to two-minute timeout can help toddlers calm down. Refrain from spanking or otherwise physically punishing your toddler, since he won̵7;t associate the connection between his behavior and being disciplined. He will only experience the pain of the spanking or slap.

Preschoolers

• Parents should downplay the word, ̶0;No,̶1; during the preschool years, ages 3 to 4. Instead, begin to offer simple connections between behavior choices and discipline actions, as recommended by the Women̵7;s and Children̵7;s Health Network. For example, parents can say, ̶0;If we have to pick up your toys, there won̵7;t be time to go to the park.̶1; Parents can also offer appropriate behavior choices for preschoolers to choose from. For example, a parent might say, ̶0;You can̵7;t throw your juice cup, but you can throw this ball.̶1; Use positive reinforcement by paying more attention to your preschooler when she is well behaved, praising her for her good choices. Be specific. Rather than admonishing, ̶0;Be polite,̶1; say, ̶0;We always say thank you.̶1;

Middle Childhood

• Between the ages of 5 and 12, parents can begin to apply more cause-and-effect relationships to their discipline techniques. Parents might offer ̶0;chances̶1; for younger kids to choose the correct behavior choice, according to Graham. A child may begin to resist being told what to do if this makes him feel younger than his age. Saving direct, explicit commands for important matters might reduce smaller behavior problems. By age 10, parents can begin to appeal to a child̵7;s sense of right and wrong when employing various discipline options. Keep expectations reasonable during this age period, since special discipline techniques formerly used when the child was younger may no longer work.

Teen

• Teens respond well to positive reinforcement, receiving additional privileges as a reward for good behavior, according to Dr. Phil.com. Explicit, consistent rules should be in place to avoid confusion. Parents might choose to ground their teen for poor behavior choices, requiring her to stay at home and skip desirable social activities. Withholding privileges can also be effective; for example, forbidding cell phone use or online access.