Essential Guide to Disciplining Your Child

One of the biggest dilemmas a first time parent faces when it comes to child rearing is to understand how to discipline kids without going overboard. There is no denying that inculcating a sense of discipline is extremely important for your child’s standing in society in the future. 

Yet, children continue to repeatedly test the limits of their parents’. While there is no quick fix on how to handle a disrespectful child, the following tips can help you get a start- 

• · Appreciation for Good Behavior 

When your approach focuses on punishment, it is easy to overlook your child’s best behavior. Most child psychologists believe that one can achieve a lot more with their disciplinarian goals by using positive reinforcement as a tool as against the negative alternative. Rewarding respectable behavior targets good behavior your child wants to develop and encourages him or her to not do things that shouldn’t be done. Remember that this doesn’t mean your child should get a bar of chocolate every time he says “Thank You” or “Sorry”. Understand the different grades of positive reinforcement and reward your children appropriately to maintain the proper child discipline methods.

•  Have Clarity on the Rules 

If the rules between each of the parent is vague or discussed only when one has been broken, your child may find it difficult to follow them. Alternatively, the child may exploit the situation to get things their way. It is up to both the parents to make it extremely clear as to what is expected from the child and what isn’t. Explain to your child the rules, rituals and traditions of your household and make sure you stick to it.


It is often found that the best way on how to deal with disrespectful children is to set a positive example. Most children learn by observation and pick up habits from their parents, siblings, grandparents and other members of the household. By making sure that the rules set for the child are consistent with the behavior of the members of the family in general implementing them becomes a lot simpler. Finally, opening a door to communication with your child encourages sharing of ideas and clarity on behavioral expectations.