The Do’s and Don’ts of Discipline

Kids are from Krypton Parents are from Pluto Radio series update May 13: Today’s show focusing on the do’s and don’ts of discipline actually had only one ‘don’t.’ That being: Don’t use don’t! What? We are so conditioned to tell kids what not to do, that we very rarely tell them what they should do.

For instance, “Don’t Hit,” can be taught the same way by saying, “Keep your hands to yourself.” Another example might be: “Don’t be rude;” in the positive approach you might say: “Please say that with nicer words.” Same lesson, different tone. One tells kids what to move away from, and the other focuses on what to do, which leads them in a positive direction. This way, you tell them what action to take, rather than which path not to take. And, it also teaches kids to focus on their own positives. For instance, they can get 2 wrong on a math test or 8 right. Which do you think builds them up? How you phrase things can build kids up or knock them down.

Top 5 Tips of the Week

1. Set positive expectations
2. Focus on what your kids are doing right
3. Give positive feedback
4. Reward the desired behavior
5. Show your kids you love them…through your words and your actions

Enjoy your kids!