Dear A., Try to keep your cool ;-)
Discipline is an ongoing process when raising children and there are times when parents question their discipline tactics and methods. The most important aspect of discipline is keeping calm when handing out punishments, or when you're in a disagreement with your child. If you yell, your child yells. If you throw fits, your child throws fits. Use the tips below for staying calm while disciplining your child.
Step 1:
Make sure your child is listening when you ask him to do something. If your child is distracted with toys or television, remove the distraction, look him in the eye and tell him what you need. This helps avoid fights over chores or other tasks because you have your child's full attention.
Step 2:
Remember that children go through stages where they test boundaries and see what they can get away with. Keep calm by reminding yourself that your discipline style sets boundaries and establishes rules.
Step 3:
Leave the room if your child has pushed you over the edge. If you're screaming and losing your cool, walk into a different room and calm down. Think of ways you can handle the situation differently when you re-enter the room.
Step 4:
Count to ten, breathe deeply and then decide the best course of discipline for your child's misbehavior.
Step 5:
Respond with positive comments, even when your child screams, "I hate you!" Tell her you love her and only want what's best for her. If you don't react to insults and negative remarks with your own negative remarks, she'll lose interest and serve out whichever punishment you've given. A. I hope this works for you.
NEXT...
How to Change a Child's Poor Attitude
if your child is misbehaving, this tactic can be very effective to improve attitude and behavior.
Step 1:
Buy a poster board and set up a "sticker chart" by making multiple columns for placing stickers.
Step 2:
Give your child stickers for good behavior, setting up a goal of a certain number of stickers to equal a reward.
Step 3:
Give your child the designated reward when they reach the desired number of stickers.
Step 4:
Repeat for a new reward.
MAKE SURE YOU TELL YOUR CHILDREN HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM EVERYDAY. MAKE SURE YOUR HUSBAND SPENDS ENOUGH QUALITY TIME PLAYING AND DOING FUN THINGS W/ THE BOYS. PICK A DAY OR W/END FOR THE BOYS AND DAD (JUST THE BOYS AND DAD DAY) ;-)
If everything else fails ;-(
APPLY NOW!!!
Kids driving you nuts? Need harmony at home?
Can Supernanny Jo Frost help?
"Our program welcomes all kinds of families to apply to be on the show. Single parents, straight and gay parents, all ethnicities and income levels are invited. Whether you're a younger or older parent, divorced or married I find that the challenges facing parents today are universal -- children need love, nurturing and stimulation, but they also need boundaries, discipline, structure and consistency."
- Supernanny Jo Frost
To apply, print and fill out this form, then fax it to: ###-###-####
You can also call 1-877-NANNY-TIME (877-626-6984), toll-free.
BE SURE TO INCLUDE PHOTO(S) OF THE ENTIRE FAMILY WITH YOUR APPLICATION.