New parents often ask professional childcare providers and experts, “When should I begin disciplining my child?” and “How should I discipline?” These questions are not easy to answer due to the fact that each child is unique and responds to discipline differently. However, discipline, meaning “to teach”, should begin as soon as a child can understand, or realize the choice(s) she makes and what you, as a parent, are doing to help her make better choices in the future. Of course, this doesn’t happen on the first try. You are actually training your child as you discipline or teach her, how to behave within her realm of development.
Two types of discipline: Changing behavior that is undesirable is the first type of discipline. Be sure the behavior you are correcting is not a part of the ‘normal developmental range’ of behaviors. Early childhood experts understand that young children have tantrums (only to test your reaction), and like to play chase, among other things. If we punish these behaviors, we are taking away a step of their developmental ladder of growth. Although, experts counsel that when a child is behaving inappropriately – outside of their realm, parents and childcare providers should use redirection, NOT time out. Literally move your child to another area of the room or house and get them interested in another activity. These additional activities should be thought about ahead of time.
“Time-out” or “reflection”, does it really work? “Time-out” or “reflection” does not work at this age because the young child does not comprehend how to reflect on the behavior you are punishing. This is an abstract form of thinking, and a young child’s brain has not learned how to process reflection on a wrong behavior until a later age.
The second type of discipline involves training your child to direct and manage her behavior toward a specific goal. That goal might be mastering a skill, success in sports, music or academics. Self-discipline is an important quality to have when a child becomes a young adult. Self-discipline impacts a child’s self-image and conveys to them that practice and hard work do pay off. As a parent, it’s your job to tell them, “You must feel good to win a game”; along with “I’m so proud of you.” Parents have to make sure their child learns to become in touch with their own emotions of what feels good and what does not. Giving them that comment of “you must feel good to win” helps them connect those emotions. Early childhood experts do discourage food as a reward for a child’s successes. When a child is given a treat each time you are “proud” of her, she may become addicted to this “show-and-tell” type of behavior, and this may cause issues later in life. Self-discipline along with self-image is the goal.
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Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies believes that happy, loved; connected children are destined for success in every facet of their lives. Our most cherished principle, “Hug First, Then Teach,” defines every aspect of who we are at Kids ‘R’ Kids. When it comes to teaching, Kids ‘R’ Kids understands the importance of involving families with their child’s developmental milestones and accomplishments. We hope you will drop by for a tour at one of our locations in the Houston area. Find a school near you at www.krkhouston.com
