Discipline for your child

It's hard to raise a kid!

	Discipline means to teach, not punish
	Discipline is good for your child. It makes him/her feel safe.
	You must teach a toddle what he/she can and cannot do. This is sometimes called "setting limits."
	Provide a safe place for your toddler to explore and learn. Remove anything you don't what him/her to get into.
	Toddlers want to good, but often don't know how. Stop oncoming bad behavior by saying, "Let's do this instead." Show him/her how.

When your child acts up:

	Stop him and remove him/her from the scene.
	Don't hit, don't spank.
	Put him/her in "time-out" for 2-3 minutes, using a chair or stair. Use the same spot each time. Time-outs gives both of you a chance to cool off. Your child can join you when he/she can control themselves.
	Correct him/her with short, simple sentences.
	When he/she is upset, help him/her tell you why.
	Don't say NO! too often. If you do, your child won't listen. Save NO for when he/she could hurt themselves or someone else.
	Set up routines and rules, then be consistent. Let your child know you mean what you say.
	Spend as much time as you can with your child.
	Praise your child for good behavior.

Help your child be good!

Learn what is normal and what to expect form your child at each age and stage. Maybe you are expecting too much too soon. Join a parent's group, read articles in parenting magazines or check out videos from your library on child development.

	Try not to yell or say "NO" all the time. A child learns from having the freedom to explore. Make your home toddler-proof, and allow your child learn in a safe and stimulating place.
	Praise behavior you want to encourage.
	Keep your rules simple and consistent. Don't overwhelm a young child with too many rules.
	A child's memory is poor and learns best by repetition. Be patient and know you will have to repeat yourself a lot.
	If your child is doing something wrong, show him/her the right way to do it, like: pet the dog, not pull its tail.
	If possible, encourage your children to "use their words." Children who express themselves with words will tell you how they feel, not show you.
	Give your child lots of individual attention and love every day. Children often misbehave if they are feeling lonely and neglected.
	Listen to your children and make them feel important. Again, they often misbehave to get attention.
	Give choices rather than commands to get your child to cooperate. For example, if your child is avoiding brushing his/her teeth at bedtime, ask him/her if he/she want to do it before or after putting on his/her pajamas.
	Plan ahead. If your child is going to get restless in the car or store, bring along a favorite toy.
	Distract your child if he's/she's doing something you don't like. Take him/her away from the scene, or give him/her something else he/she likes. Remember, very young children don't understand right or wrong.
	When you get angry at your child, take a break for yourself. Call a friend, cry, take a shower-whatever helps you. Remember never shake a baby! Shaking can cause severe brain damage and even death.
	Teach, don't punish. Before you yell at your child, imagine someone yelling at you. Cruel words hurt as bad as spanking.
	If you are under a lot of stress, your child knows it. Look for help. United Way First Call For Help can guide you to some places that can help you cope with difficult situations.

* This information is not a substitute for professional medical care. Diagnosis and treatment should be done only by your health care provider. For more information contact your local health department or physician.

Click on the following for more information:

	Temper Tantrums
	Think Before you spank
	Ten things to do instead of yelling or hitting
	Ten tips on raising kids without physical punishment