Discipline

What is discipline? Discipline is helping children develop self-control/self-discipline. Discipline is setting limits and correcting misbehavior. Discipline also is encouraging children, guiding them, helping them feel good about themselves, and teaching them how to think for themselves. Discipline and guidance both refer to directing children toward acceptable behavior

Why discipline? Children have to be taught discipline. They are not born with it. Parents have to teach it Discipline takes time and practice (it gets easier as children learn to control their own behavior).

Understanding Discipline Punishment is only a small part of effective guidance or discipline Discipline is not ‘ making children behave ’ Guidance is a part of moral development and children develop a conscience (an inner sense of right and wrong) Guidance also helps to develop social and emotional development

When to Discipline Only if They understand it was wrong If it was intentional

The 3 Keys to Effective Discipline Encoaraging appropriate/positive behaviour by 1) Being a role model 2) Setting limits 3) Using Positive Reinforcement

Proactive Discipline -give them choices -give them something to distract themselves -prepare them -make it fun/game -use positive words and reinforcement -be a role model (they will imitate you)

How to Discipline Should be proportionate to the seriousness of the crime Must relate to what they did that was wrong Must be consistent and predictable GIVE WARNINGS

Discipline Techniques 1- Voice: control volume and tone (kids are just like adults, they will reciprocate what tone and volume you use)

Discipline Techniques 2- Words- use simple statements, the less words the better -focus on their behaviour, not on them (tell them their behaviour was “bad” not them)

Discipline Techniques 3- Body- you are so much bigger than them which can be intimidating -get down on their level and use eye contact

Discipline Techniques 4- Decide what’s worth disciplining -pick your battles (don’t waste your time nit picking)

Dealing with Inappropriate Behavior Why do children misbehave? Illness boredom angry feelings an need for attention and love low self-esteem anxiety confusion

All children misbehave sometimes The child ’s age is very important when deciding on the appropriate discipline The caregiver should ask: Does the child understand that the behavior is wrong? Was the behavior intentional (done on purpose), or was it simply beyond the child ’s control?