What promotes effective discipline?
Communicating that you understand your child’s feelings as you are setting firm, kind, consistent limits is important. Consequences that are acted upon immediately and directly related to the situation will be constructive. What are some effective methods of discipline? Time-outs, rewards and restricting privileges such as television or video games, are effective methods. Discussion at a later time when feelings are not so intense will help prevent similar occurrences in the future. Should discipline be different at different ages? Yes. Although effective discipline always promotes self-control and respect, to be effective it must be tailored to the age and development of the child. For example, a frustrated two year old may need to calm down for a while, whereas a seven year old may need a time-out. Young children are easily distracted or redirected to stop inappropriate behavior. School-age children need to be reminded of consequences, and parents need to enforce them. Does saying “n
