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Discipline

  • Why Kids Misbehave

    When children misbehave, our gut reaction is to do whatever we can to stop it and stop it fast! There are big problems with this approach. Instead of reacting, have your response focus on the core issue and teach the child how to resolve that core issue through positive behavior.

  • Twelve Discipline Rules That Get Great Results

    Are you in the face of the toddler tantrums and sibling squabbles? Are you tired of the sick feeling in the pit of your stomach after you've yelled at your child? You're not alone. Child development expert, Kimberley Blaine offers parents positive discipline alternatives that will yield great results.

  • A "Time-Out" on Time-Outs

    This old-school form of discipline can do more harm than good. The "time-out" technique is not so effective -- and it can even lead to harmful side effects. Put this punishment to rest for good and do these simple steps for a better alternative.

  • User's Manual for Parents: Why Setting Limits is Important

    Young children naturally want to do what they want when they want, so guiding children can be challenging. Learn why limits are an important part of your parenting toolbox and how to set them effectively.

  • Disciplining a Biter

    QUESTION

    Hi Dr. Laura,

  • Dealing with Twinkling-eye, Attention-getting Behavior

    Does you toddler, with a twinkle in his eyes, intentionally break rules just to get your attention? How should you respond to this behavior? Dr. Kathleen Cuneo shares do's and dont's.

  • How Should I Punish My Kid?

    "Am I being too harsh?" "What consequences should I use?" I'm here to tell you that it doesn't matter what you do; there is no right consequence for every action. What matters is that you do what you say you're going to do.

  • The Fine Art of Disciplining Other People's Kids

    These days parent are much more cautious about discipline kids who are not their -- probably because our society has become so litigious. So how do you navigate those tricky issues of discipline the "other kids" when the child is in your care and you are in charge?

  • Using Effective Time-Outs

    Timeout is just one tool -- and it really isn't a "discipline" tool; it's an effective anger-management tool. Since the purpose of a timeout is to help someone regain control. If you want children to learn that it is their responsibility to control their behavior, use timeouts as cooling off periods which teach children how to achieve this self-control.

  • Discipline or Punishment

    Discipline is different from punishment because it teaches children to learn from their mistakes rather than making them suffer for them. The four R's of consequences actually apply to all discipline techniques, not just natural and logical consequences. Whatever discipline technique you choose, make sure it meets the following four criteria...

  • Hollow Threats as Discipline

    QUESTION

    Dear Mr. Dad,
    My wife and I have a 3-year-old who's quite a handful. The other day in a crowded department store he was running around and my wife got so frustrated that she said, "if you don't come over here right now, we'll leave you right here."

    We usually agree on discipline issues but I think it's not a good idea to make threats we don't intend to carry out. But my wife says it's just something to attract his attention. Who's right

  • Time Out for Children Under the Age of Reason

    There are several points that need to be made regarding time out for children who have not yet reached the age of reason: Any kind of time out should not be used with children under 3-1/2. Until children reach the age of reason, which starts around three...

  • Twelve Discipline Rules That Get Great Results

    Are you in the face of the toddler tantrums and sibling squabbles? Are you tired of the sick feeling in the pit of your stomach after you've yelled at your child? You're not alone. Child development expert, Kimberley Blaine offers parents positive discipline alternatives that will yield great results.

  • When Parents Disagree on Discipline

    Do you and your partner disagree on discipline? You should try to get on the same page. That's the best way to stop arguing with your kids as witnesses. Here are some strategies that can be helpful.

  • My Philosophy About Discipline

    Children should act on inner directives and be gentle and gracious in the classroom based on these inner directives not on external punishments or rewards. We need to train children to be self-directed through consistent, fair, firm, and prompt redirection.

  • To Spank or Not to Spank?

    If your parents used spanking as a discipline method growing up, you may have reconciled yourself to their behavior by justifying it: You came out ok. You may even think there is no other choice for managing kids who are "a handful." How else do kids learn?

  • How to Offer Children Choices Within Limits

    Choices are the best tool for preventing and stopping power struggles and rebellion. There are a few ways that parents can run into problems, however, so here are a few guidelines for using choices effectively.

  • Timeouts Can Cause Misbehavior

    Most parents nowadays try not to use physical punishment. Many have been advised instead to use timeouts to "calm" kids down and correct bad behavior. But any child can explain to you that timeouts are still punishment. And we all know that sending a kid to a timeout it is not the best way to calm him!

  • Discipline or Punishment

    Discipline is different from punishment because it teaches children to learn from their mistakes rather than making them suffer for them. The four R's of consequences actually apply to all discipline techniques, not just natural and logical consequences. Whatever discipline technique you choose, make sure it meets the following four criteria...

  • Is Spanking Part of Discipline?

    I need some help to talk to my mother about spanking. She insists that spanking is the only way kids learn. And I have to admit my son is a handful. Timeouts certainly don't work with him. The only thing that does is staying three steps ahead of him, and that isn't always possible.