Discovery Health :: Parenting: Discipline and Limit Setting

Kids and Discipline

	Parenting: Discipline and Limit Setting (con't) By Merri Wallace Listen to your child's reasoning. You may not go along with your 8-year-old's wish to go to a rock concert, but it is important to give your child the opportunity to plead his case. When your child misbehaves, help her to understand her behavior. If she can connect her emotions to her actions, she will gain greater control. Grant your child new privileges when it is feasible. If your 10-year-old wants to walk to school by himself, practice the route with him until you feel comfortable letting him go alone. Talk to other parents. This will give you some idea of what privileges you should grant your child and how to handle new situations. Always end a discussion about a misbehavior by giving your child a positive skill to use. For example, instruct your 7-year-old, "When you want to buy new Yu-Gi-Oh cards, you need to ask me. You must never borrow money from your friend." Maintain realistic expectations. Even though your 9-year-old looks like she is 12, she will still whine and cry. Be patient. She needs time to develop. Teach your child to exercise independent judgment. Educate your child about smoking, drugs, AIDS, etc. Give him personal examples of how you dealt with bullies or refused to go along with the crowd. Use role-playing to help him practice self-assertion.

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