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Consistency Is A Virtue That Pays Rich Dividends |
By:
Dr. Noel Swanson. |
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Consistency is a Virtue that Pays Rich Dividends
by Dr. Noel Swanson.
If parents want to achieve success in child discipline, they must inculcate the virtue of consistency. It is the most important thing especially for parents that have issues regarding child discipline. It is true that it is not easy to remain consistent all the time. After all, you are human beings with normal human failings. And, children can be absolutely exasperating at times. So, you can only aim at achieving consistency, but it is worth making all the effort because it has good effect on your children and you can teach them the basic norms of good behavior with good results.
You will need an unshakable determination to deal with children; children can be exasperating at times. They will test your will power. Older children will be defiant and younger ones will just not remember the rules. Your task is to go on repeating the same rules over and over again until they are well established. During the course of this drill, you may encounter sudden bursts that will catch you unawares and off guard. You need to be conscious of such moments and have a back-up strategy to deal with the unanticipated situation. Basically, you should be able to pre-empt your child's moves and have a solution.
The younger the children are when you start and maintain consistency, the better. There are some steps that might help you get started on the road to providing consistency.
1. Communication: Communication is the keyword in all relationships. First the parents must sit down and talk to each other and agree upon an action plan. Then they should communicate their expectations regarding child discipline to the children in clear terms.
2. Once you have established child discipline parameters, don't quit half way. Stopping halfway is perhaps the worst thing you can do as a parent when attempting to establish consistency in child discipline. You will have to start over from the beginning just like with any habit-breaking tactic.
3. Flexibility: There are no hard and fast rules of parenting. Parents learn as they go along all the time. So, don't be afraid to change and adapt as the situation demands. Life can't be lived by the book. Make changes in the action plan if you think it is not working.
4. Team work: Parents must work as a team supporting each other and backing each other up. You may want a support system consisting of a close friend, family member or professional who can provide objective parenting tips and view point.
5. Ask for parenting help, if you need it. No one knows everything about parenting. There isn\'t a manual or how to guide. If you get stuck, ask around or do research.
You can establish a routine of child discipline that works for everyone by communicating, persevering, supporting and being willing to ask questions. Remember, being consistent with child discipline isn't easy, but it is rewarding.
For additional information on child behavioral problem and parenting advice visit http://www.good-child-guide.com/.
Do your kids play you up? Then you should really check out Dr. Noel Swanson's free newsletter on children's behavior management that is packed with advice. More of his articles can be found here: free articles on parenting Click here to get your own unique version of this article.
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Article Source: http://www.statssheet.com/articles/article53804.html |
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