Discipline Your Child - When Is The Right Time?
That’s the thought that crossed my mind a few days back. I remembered it again today and decided to make a short post here and ask anyone who happen to visit this blog…
When is the right time to discipline or at least introduce the discipline concept to a child?
I’m not sure if “Discipline” the right word to be used for a 2 year-and-3 month old boy (if it’s not, please suggest one. 
Anyway, my little Matthew is most of the time playful and happy and laughing and smiling and (trying) to talk…
Lem me share an article I read on the web that made me think about disciplining a child.. not a baby alright?
Children learn best by being given clear, firm and consistent direction from parents who are clear, firm and consistent in their approach.
Firstly find and maintain clarity within yourself and then follow through on simple, clear instructions. Clarify for your self what being clear means.
It is about being plain, obvious, and understandable in a clear, short sentence that explains exactly what you mean.
Often parents have no idea that they chop and change their minds within minutes. To become clear about your own patterns of behavior, observe yourself and ask for your partner’s help in this.
“We are going to tidy up your toys in five minutes”, is clear and direct. Follow this with,
“Please help me tidy up your toys now” and it means just that.
Be firm with yourself about this. It doesn’t mean soon, or later, but now.
I have seen parents give out this simple instruction, then become distracted themselves by a television program, conversation or magazine. What their children observe is parents saying one thing and doing another and this gives a much distorted message. Multiplied over many times each day, is it any wonder that children cease to follow simple instructions?
Personally, I think this approach is a little harsh for a 2 year old… I’m reading it and I feel like it’s a military school or something… anyway..
Clarify for your self what being firm means.To be firm is to be certain, definite, and determined. It is also being loving, kind and calm.
It means saying no and meaning no, or saying yes and meaning yes and sticking to it. It’s about now being now. How often does your no become perhaps, later, maybe giving in, next time, soon, or alright then? This is a very common fault in how to discipline children and again it leads to numerous mixed messages for children.
Oh, so that’s what it means.. but it still feels mean to talk to a 2 year old like that.. it could be ok, or appropriate for a 4 or 5 year old, sure.
About The Author of blocked text
Helen Williams
Editor Consistent Parenting Advice.com
http://www.consistent-parenting-advice.com
Popularity: 14% [?]
Hi there,
it’s great that you query this article in this way - I wrote it for parents to learn about how to be consistent within themselves. Like you, I also would like better language to describe the word discipline - I loathe the idea of sounding like a military sergeant!!! And yes, I wouldn’t speak to a 2 year old in that way - but it is effective with older children.
I believe we are introducing the concept of discipline from birth, and the more we understand as parents what is required of us, our children just absorb it.
I’ve been enjoying your website very much.