Everyone of us has encountered parents with young children who misbehave in public places. At restaurants, these children are running around yelling and screaming and generally disturbing other guests. In Malls, and Movie Theaters, we constantly see these children behaving unruly and acting hyperactive. These children have two types of parents, the first are those who can’t handle their offspring and the other type of parents are those who are indifferent to the mayhem their children are creating.
In civilized society it is important for parents to raise children who are well behaved and function appropriately in public.
Below are my seven favorite tips to parents for disciplining children:
Reward Good Behavior:
Positive reinforcement is much better than negative. Reward good behavior. The good behavior reward needs to commensurate the action. Big deeds should get big rewards, while a small action such as picking up their toys or cleaning their room (things which are their responsibilities) should be recognized with “good job”.
Be clear about rules:
To make it easy for your child to follow you rules, be clear about them. There should be no ambiguity or flexibility about the rules, if you child has to change her clothes after school, before being served lunch, ensure that this rule is followed on a daily basis. If you son can’t play video games unless his homework is completed, then the rule needs to be followed.
Neutralize Arguments:
When having an argument with the child, don’t clam up, instead neutralize the argument by agreeing with them, and taking the action that you wish to take.
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When you child misbehaves, don’t react immediately. Tell them that their actions weren’t appropriate, and that you need to decide on the punishment. Take a reasonable amount of time to calm yourself, discuss with the child what they have done is wrong, and then deliver reasonable and appropriate punishment
Be consistent about rules:
Between both the parents, and other family members there needs to be consistency regarding the rules. One parent can’t be seen as permitting unacceptable behavior.
Model Good Behavior:
Children will copy your behavior, if in restaurants you are loud, and rude to the waiters, your children will follow your lead.
Turn No into Yes:
When a child asks for a treat, instead of saying no, say yes with a task that they have to do. For example if your child says, can I have a chocolate, instead of saying No, say Yes you can have a chocolate after you have packed your school bag for tomorrow.
