Discipline
Parents of an eight-year old must have a good repertoire of discipline strategies because they definitely will be needed. If authoritarian parenting strategies have been used with the child, the negative results of that style will begin to be apparent in the aggression and hostility of the eight-year old. Now is the time to learn and practice authoritative discipline that provides firm and consistent expectations and consequences, and teaches children why their actions result in good or bad consequences.
The child at eight is beginning to be aware of the motivations and actions of others and makes judgments about the self in relation to others. This awareness is the beginning of moral development. Now, he can understand how and why his actions affect others. He can feel empathy for the suffering of others, and he has a desire to understand what is right and what is wrong.
Discipline with eight is about teaching, not control. Consequences that involve making amends and discussions of why certain actions are wrong make a powerful impression on her. But, don't expect perfect behavior; instead plan to use the many opportunities she will give you this year to reinforce and practice the lessons of right and wrong behavior.
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Child Development - The Eight-Year Old
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