Let’s face it. There are times when communicating with your son or daughter can be very challenging. Setting down explicit requirements in the matter of what is and what is not satisfactory behavior is imperative to successfully showing your child good behavior from bad. If the guidelines are not clear or the child learns that in one situation the rules hold true yet in another situation the same rule does not, it makes for confusion and frustration on both sides.
You must sit down with the child well in advance and lay down the requirements and consequences of being naughty or a misdeed. Make it clear in no uncertain terms is there any room for bargaining at the time of the infringement, and that should such a behavior take place you are determined be firm in your discipline. Rules in respect of your child’s health, well being and safety should not have any room for negotiation when being laid down or enforced.
Rules relating to other subjects can be openly and honestly discussed with your child and an agreed upon action should be constructed that both parents and child can agree upon.
If necessary make a contract between parent and child. Lay it all out in black and white, in language your son or daughter can completely comprehend. For younger kids, you may want to create a good behavior chart within the contract, and for every week that goes by without any infractions being marked down, a favorite or special activity may be awarded. The association between good behaviors and a special time with mom and/or dad could be just the currency they comprehend.
But all kids have to comprehend that disciplining them is your way of showing them what is and what is not satisfactory conduct.
It may feel as though kids fight rules and regulations. But they truly need to understand that such boundaries are meant for their well-being, health, safety and to empower them to develop into a mature being capable of making discerning decisions.
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