Friday, November 18, 2016

Loving discipline

Radio Commentary

Punishment is a negative consequence of bad behavior that has already occurred. Discipline is a positive way to focus on future behavior.
Here are rules for loving discipline that many parents have found helpful:
   Change misbehavior by setting positive goals to strive for, rather than negative ones to avoid.
   Say what you mean and mean what you say. Children have an uncanny way of knowing the difference.
   Involve your children in solving problems to show you value their judgment.
   Talk less; do more.
   Ask what happened to cause a certain misbehavior. The cause may be very different from what you suspected.
   Make clear what you want from your children and praise them when they do it.
   Impose logical consequences for any misbehavior. Be sure the cause-and-effect link is clear.
   Give your children choices — but make sure you can live with them. If not, discuss the issue and explain why another choice might be better.
   Focus on what’s good about your children, and expect their very best.

And always show your love.