The Challenge of Consistency in Discipline
Let’s face it: there are days when it seems easier to let your child have their way rather than feeling like you’re fighting a losing battle when trying to discipline them(Follow Through). They beg, plead, cry, barter, and scream—anything to avoid facing the consequences of their actions. However, it’s crucial not to lose your strength and will during these moments. Consistent disciplinary action is essential for teaching your child positive and acceptable behaviors. There should be no room for negotiation when it comes to bad behavior, and no exceptions should be made when it’s time to address misdeeds.
Setting Clear Expectations and Consequences(Follow Through)
Before any misdeeds occur, it’s important to sit down with your child and discuss the consequences of inappropriate behavior or poor decisions. Be concise and consistent when explaining these consequences so that when the time comes to enforce them, you can follow through with ease. Children are constantly testing the boundaries and limits set for them, and the temptation to “bend the rules” just once or twice can be overwhelming, especially when your patience is running thin.
Staying Firm Yet Fair
When enforcing consequences, it’s important to be firm yet fair. Emphasize that the consequence was the agreed-upon outcome for the specific misdeed or inappropriate action, and that now is not the time for negotiation. Afterward, take time to discuss the situation with your child. If it seems that a consequence that worked initially is no longer effective, it may be time to rethink the punishment and negotiate a new approach.
However, parameters set for your child’s well-being or safety should never be negotiated. In other cases, it may be appropriate to develop a new consequence based on your child’s age, temperament, or maturity level.
Ensuring Consistency Among Caregivers(Follow Through)
It’s also imperative that your spouse and any other adult caregivers are on the same page and follow through with punishments consistently and clearly. If you determine that a previous approach is no longer effective and decide to establish new parameters, ensure that all adult caregivers are informed. This ensures that follow-through remains consistent and clear, reinforcing the importance of accountability and discipline.
By maintaining consistency, clarity, and fairness, you can effectively guide your child toward positive behavior and decision-making.