The first intervention point in effective child discipline is in giving your child instructions. Effective directing of the child's behavior from a young age will assure that conflict and frustration will be minimized. If your child is older, it's not too late to begin to give instructions effectively. You will be rewarded with greater compliance from your child and he, in turn, will feel more secure in the family hierarchy.
You can take these simple steps and begin to apply them today. Keep practicing until they become second nature to you.
Before giving the child instructions:
- Decide what you want your child to do and when you want it done.
- Decide what consequence you will give if the child does not comply.
- Decide whether you will offer the child a choice
- Determine where you will not compromise and where you will be more flexible.
When giving the child instructions:
- Go to the child or call him to you.
- Make direct eye contact.
- State the need and what you want the child to do.
- Be very specific - give one step at a time to young children.
- Be aware of whether he begins to comply. Don't let it slide.
- Praise him when he complies.
Next, we will look at the second intervention point - when the child does not comply with your instructions.
Web Resources for Giving Instructions Effectively
- Encouraging Cooperation Adele Faber at Child & Family Canada
- The Guidance Approach to Discipline Deb Gebeke at North Dakota State University
- Effective Directing Principles Tim Dunnigan at Help for Families
- Three Stage Discipline Plan Elaine Gibson at Southern Methodist University
- Giving Children Choices Elaine Gibson at Southern Methodist University
- Parental Authority - It's an Attitude Elaine Gibson at Southern Methodist University
- Responsive Discipline: Using Guidance Chuck Smith at Kansas State University
- Using Checklists to Reduce Reminding Dr. Sylvia Rimm at Kids.com
More of this Feature
Child Discipline Series Introduction
Quick Strategies for Improving Child Discipline
