Positive Discipline for children

I share these notes for all. They are of my own experience as teacher and mother. Please feel free to share your thoughts and stories with me. onelv@grantspass.com with subject heading: positive discipline

When I discipline my children, I use a calm deeper voice and I am careful with the words I use. At the appropriate times, I will use a louder, worried voice to alarm my children of danger.Other times, during ages 2 through 4, my children do not want to listen with their ears, so we take time out periods.Time out has been around for a while, we have found the method that works for us.The basic principle is to put the child in a quiet corner, without stimulation-toy, book, TV, or music, for 1 minute per year. If this spot doesn’t fit your child’s needs, a quiet room away from play area can prove to be the peace your child needs. During the minute(s) of timeout, we do not allow conversation. After the timeout is over, we ask our child "are you ready to talk to me?", which almost always is a "yes". We talk about the reason for the timeout, and what a better choice could be, and our feelings. Not just me the parent, but the child must have this time for communication about feelings and understandings.

Giving your child a few minutes notice about the next event will give enough time for your child to prepare for it. Have you ever tried to get your child dressed when they absolutely refused to cooperate. It is very FRUSTRATING, to get a child to do something they are not ready for. It works to give them time. Try this experiment at home, or playgroup: When you see your child at play, give them a few minute warning, and you might find your child is ready for whatever you want to do next.

I have noticed, at times, an almost automatic response of "NO". This is best avoided, except in extreme measures, i.e. touching hot stove, crossing road unattended, or eating unedibles. If I continue to say, "NO" at every little tryout my baby pulls off my desk, or scratch attempt to touch my face, then how will she decipher when it is a warning of dangerous possibilites? Therefore, I remain with the feeling of refraining the use of NO.

Interdiscipline is the discipline which gives our will backbone. The better way to convey the importance and exercise the strength of interdiscipline is to put it into action. Striving to reach goals, keeping up with routine, taking on challenges, and curbing habits are strong examples of interdiscipline.