Discipline, related to the word “disciple,” implies learning from a master teacher.

Like it or not, we parents are our children’s primary master teachers. Expanding our repertoire of teaching techniques will enable us to tailor our choices to our child’s age, temperament, learning history and to our own values. Perhaps some of these options will work for you in your family.

1. 1.Ignore the problem behavior
2. 2.Redirect the child’s attention
3. 3.Restructure the environment
4. 4.Pay attention to the positives.
5. 5.Reexamine your expectations.
6. 6.Use a time-out procedure.
7. 7.Examine your own behavior.
8. 8.Less is more.
9. 9.Touch.
10. 10.Name the unacceptable behavior.
11. 11.Examine the environment for unacceptable behavior models
12. 12.Permit logical consequences.
13. 13.Reward positive behavior with a tangible reinforcer, like a sticker or a favorite snack. We adults work for reinforcers (money) and children will too.
14. 14.Give a choice, but be sure both alternatives are acceptable to you. “You may practice now or wait until after dinner. Which do you prefer? Not practicing is not an option.
15. 15.Invite the child to help figure out how to deal with the negative behavior.Sometimes children, especially older ones, have surprisingly wise suggestions. Explain the problem and “Katie, for the last two or three weeks you’ve been putting off doing your homework and then wanting to stay up past your bedtime to finish it. Now you’re starting to com¬plain of being tired all the time. How would you suggest dealing with this problem of procrastinating on home-work?”
16. 16.Hold a family meeting
17. 17.Remove a privilege
18. 18.Tell the child directly what you observe, think, feel, and want, using “I” statements. “When I see you abuse your instrument like that, I feel angry and worried about what damage you might do. I think you’re old enough to find a better way of expressing your frustration. What ideas do you have?”
19. 19.Use gentle—not berating—humor
20. 20.Develop a nonverbal warning system
21. 21.Keep a behavior count of the problem behavior and let the child establish a goal
22. 22.Help the child substitute an acceptable behavior
23. 23.Try to establish some physical links
24. 24.As a family, establish a list of rules and consequences.
25. 25.Look for causes and deal with them.

As our children’s “master teachers,” we must teach with consistency, wisdom and love .

 

By: DELSAN D. LOPEZ | TEACHER III | LUZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | LIMAY,BATAAN