Disciplining with logical consequences cuts down on arguments, begging, and fighting. Think about it like a pie. When you're consistent, kind and firm, your child will respect you and follow the rules. Discipline becomes just a sliver of the pie. The rest of the pie is filled with fun activities like cooperation, affection, and pleasant discussions.
If you're inconsistent, yell, and fight with your kids when disciplining, then expect the co-operation, affection, and pleasant discussions to become the sliver. Discipline will take over the rest of the pie and that portion will taste like mud.
It's time to tackle a common discipline problem, homework. Let's brainstorm solutions too.
If These Were Your Children, How Would You Discipline?
- Your son, Kevin, is home alone. Your boss threatens, "It's your kid or this job!" You leave anyway. As you walk in the door, the TV shouts, "This toy gives you hours of fun." There's Kevin, eating chips on the couch. When he sees you he yells and points to the TV.
"Hey mom can I have that toy?"
"Did you do your homework?"
"Homework's boring."
"Turn off the TV."
"Do I have to?"
What would you do if you were Kevin's mom?
- Your daughter, Emma, hates homework too. Her teacher can't read Emma's scribbles and smudges. She marks her down for messiness. Emma doesn't care. Playing is much more fun. What will you do?
- Robert's school back pack is empty. He "forgot" his homework again. With crackers in one hand and soda in the other, he rushes to his room to play his latest video game. What will you do?
Parenting kids who don't or won't do homework becomes a verbal war.
"Do your homework."
"Later."
"When?"
"I don't know."
Do you feel like you're losing the battle and the war? Your child is failing in school. He stalls, says, "No," sneaks out to play, won't turn off the TV. What can you do? Leave your comments.
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