Disciplining Your Child

Things You Can Do

Setting Limits: Guidance and Discipline

• Don’t worry about spoiling babies under a year old.
• From 6 months on, your baby will move around and get into everything. Make your house safe for your child to explore. If your baby starts to do something you don’t like, move him or distract him. Don’t spank him.
• Start to set limits in the second year. Be consistent, patient and flexible.
• Respect your child. He will learn respect for himself and others.
• Put rules in the positive. Tell and show your child what you want him to do.
• Praise and hug your child for appropriate behavior.
• Save the “no’s” for important limits, like those involving safety.
• When your child is old enough, make the rules and decide on the conse- quences together. Be sure the consequences are reasonable.
• Avoid shaming or humiliating your child.
• Don’t hit or shout at your child. It increases tension and damages self-esteem.
• Look for a parenting class. Call your local school district or adult education program.

Give Children Limited Choices

When children have choices, they feel more in control and less frustrated. Let your child choose between her blue or green socks. Or offer an apple or a banana for a snack. Don’t give too many choices—your child can feel confused.

When Your Child Loses Control

Stay calm—this helps your child feel safe and it role-models a good way to react to stress. Then soothe your child. Some toddlers need physical contact and a firm hug so they can calm down. Others are easily distracted with another activity. And some children do well with a few minutes of “time-out” in a quiet, safe place. After your child is calm, teach him the correct behavior.

Reduce Stress in Your Own Life

It’s a challenge to teach appropriate behavior to a young child. Try to reduce the stress in your own life, so that you don’t lose your temper when your 2-year-old has a tantrum or does something dangerous. Or call Counseling.