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Many parents,(especially the younger ones), as well as teachers and care givers, are showing a serious concern in the behavior of children today. Limited knowledge of positive discipline methods is one of the major reasons that prevents parents from being able to keep their children's behavior under control. There are several helpful and effective ways that can be implemented to produce good behavior in children of all ages.
From the moment a newborn is introduced into the world, parents should be fully conscious of the importance of positive discipline which is necessary in the development of their child. Babies naturally learn that crying is their only means of communication. They immediately know the only way to get attention is by crying. This is normal, but overstimulation can cause the beginning of unpleasant behavior in a child.
While it is true that an infant needs lots of love and care, it is also important that his needs be met timely and as the baby matures, the time spent with the child be kept at a conscious measure. For example, after the little one is fed, diaper changed, and time spent playing with him or her, that the child learn to entertain himself with items made specially for babies' development. If the child cries, it is a good idea to let him do so for a while.
As the child grows to a toddler, he must be trained to respect people and things. One discipline method for misbehaving is to remove the child from an area or to remove a particular toy from the child. If a child is in area where he is being disruptive or too rough, place him in another room that is not as much a fun place and keep him there for one minute per year in age.
This is referred to as the time-out method.
Another effective method of positive discipline is to redirect. Since children normally want to explore, being curious and not knowing any better, they will very frequently do or try to do things which are not safe or pleasant. For instance, if a little one tries to reach for or tries to play with something that is not a toy or just not safe or appropriate, redirect him by offering a toy or removing him from the object or area. If he tries to go into the bathroom to play around or at the toilet, pick him up and talk to him as you take him away and put him in the nursery or a safer area. He may not understand what you are saying at the moment, but children learn from repetition, and after a few times they will know because they learn to relate experience with words.
For older children who are of better understanding, a method of discipline can involve placing restrictions on certain privileges they may have. Taking away some time allowed for watching TV, playing outside, or any favorite activity is a form of discipline which teaches a child consequences of inappropriate behavior. A clear explanation is always a must when implementing any type of discipline.
It is important to remember that children are all different and that the method of discipline used for one child does not necessarily mean that it is the best method for another child. Know the child. Begin by redirecting, and if it works, fine. If, after a couple of weeks there are no changes in behavior, try the time-out method. Keep trying until you find the right method for the particular child.
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