HOW TO DISCIPLINE YOUR CHILD?

We have discussed behaviour problems in children and parents' role in their causation. Another important facet of all this is inculcating GOOD behaviour practices in children. It is upon us parents to teach a child how to exercise SELF-CONTROL in such exciting times. 

Teaching Children Self-control is the most important aspect of disciplining them and making them responsible members of society.
We begin this month with some COMMON PROBLEMS encountered and will gradually discuss "HOW TO DISCIPLINE YOUR CHILD?". 

Anger/ Aggression/ Temper Tantrums

All children express anger and/or aggression some time or the other. These are normal and healthy impulses. Tense children may bite nails, stutter or chew pencils signaling pressure and frustration. Children usually have temper tantrums, when they are tired or stressed out. Any of these may turn the child destructive, abusive or lead to conduct disorders.

Stubborn Child

Negativism is a normal phase and begins when a child discovers that he/she has the power to respond negatively to many requests, including pleasant ones. All children go through this phase. They get delight in refusing- whether its about getting dressed or taking off their clothes, taking a bath or getting out of the bath, going to bed or getting up. When parents give in they enjoy the authority/ supremacy that they have been able to accomplish and gradually used to it. We may be giving in just to avoid an argument or to save time but in long term it can have real bad effects.

TV Viewing

These days TV viewing starts at infancy itself. While TV can be a medium for lesarning it can also cause adverse reactions. Supervising tele-viewing is a must. Choose programs for your child. Avoid scary, violent situations. Point out to the child the unacceptability of violent behaviour like hitting or back answering and socially unacceptable behaviour like smoking and alcohol consumption. Children often tend to believe what they see on the screen, especially in commercials. Exposure to glorified ads of aerated drinks and junk food often makes children reject healthy food and get a distorted view of what is good food. Restrict TV viewing hours. Never use TV viewing as a reward.

Stealing

When a child intentionally takes something that is not his, it is usually a sign that he needs attention. He may feel resentful, jealous, or lonely. Before you contemplate serious action, try to figure out why your child might steal. Once you ensure that his needs are met his bahaviour will change automatically.

Sleep Problems - Bedtime Resistance

These are attempts your child makes to postpone bedtime to play or watch TV or just receive extra attention. Your child is taking advantage of your good nature. In a milder form the child stays in his bedroom but prolongs the bedtime interaction with ongoing questions, unreasonable requests, protests, crying or temper tantrums.

Next fortnight we shall define discipline and show it is not difficult after all to discipline your child!

Your feedback is welcome at ceo@growingwell.com