How do you begin to discipline your kids?

Here are are a few tips!

Be clear: Review rules regularly. Discuss with your child what you expect and why.

Respect: Talk about the importance of treating others with respect.

Enforce rules: Kids naturally test limits until they know they’re firm. Follow Through: Keep promises about rewards and punishments so your child trusts you mean what you say.

Set Goals: What happened last year that he’d like to change? What worked well? Help him devise a step-by-step plan for reaching goals that are meaningful to him.

Use Your Child’s Strengths: Every child has specific strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes what helps your child shine in one area can also help her improve in another. For example, “You’re great at learning math facts with flash cards. Maybe we should make spelling flash cards. Let’s draw a picture for each word, and put the spelling on the back.”

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Anne Trapp Shirley is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Clinical Supervisor in Orlando, Florida. She has 20 years of experience encouraging clients by sending a message of hope that they can overcome life’s obstacles that get in the way of living their best life!