Advice on Handling Discipline for All Ages

Tips for Disciplining Kids — of all ages

1. Consistency. Don’t confuse kids by having rules one day that don’t apply another day. Make a rule clear and than follow through with consequences when the rule is broken every time.

2. Don’t make rules punitive. Explain to your child that it’s important that they set the table every night at 5:30 because they are part of a family, and without everyone pitching in, it’s too hard for mom and dad. Or just mom. Or just dad. If it’s a single parent family.

3. Make punishments fit the bill. Certain punishments are age appropriate. You can’t give a five year old a one hour time out as a punishment, because it is not going to be effective. You also can’t tell a teenager no desert, and expect that to be effective.

4. No drama. Discipline is a way of teaching children socialization. It is not about high drama in the house. It’s about consequences for behavior without any surprises from the disciplinarians.