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Discipline is about changing behavior not about punishing children. 1
The best way to stop unwanted behavior such as a tamper tantrum is to ignore it. This way works best over a period of time. When you want the behavior to stop immediately, you can use the
time-out method. 4
1- Setting rules with consequences 1,2
- Praise positive behavior
- Avoid nagging and making threats
- Apply rules consistently
- Ignore unimportant and irrelevant behavior
- Set reasonable and consistent limits
- Know and accept age-appropriate behavior
2- In applying consequences
- Apply consequences as soon as possible
- Do not enter into arguments with the child during the correction process
- Make the consequences brief
Parents should mean what they say and say it without shouting. Verbal abuse is no less damaging than physical punishment.
Follow consequences with love and trust and ensure the child knows the correction is directed against the behavior not the person. Parents should refrain from hurting the child’s self-esteem by instilling shame, guilt, loss of trust or a sense of abundance.
Forms of discipline:
1- Time-out: most effective in children aged two through primary school 2
- Introduce time-out by 24 months
- Must be used unemotionally and consistently every time the child misbehaves
- Choose a time-out place that is uninteresting for the child and give he/her a warning. If the behavior doesn’t stop, remain calm and don’t look angry, calmly take him/her to the time out area. Don’t lock the door. 4
- Time-out should last one minute per year of child’s age and maximum five minutes 1,4
- Parents should avoid using time-out for teaching or preaching when the child is in time-out, ignore him.
2- Reasoning: Discipline involves positive behaviors as well as changing unwanted behavior. Parents should teach the child desirable behavior in advance.
Dr Monique Zgheib
Pediatrician
