8 Strategies in Raising a Disciplined Child

It is the dream of every parent to raise a well-rounded child in terms of discipline and respect. Parents have to ensure that they instill the proper behavior in their children from a young age. With time and patience, a child can learn and adapt acceptable behavior. 

Nothing makes a parent proud other than hearing from others that their children are well behaved or polite. Here are strategies that you should use to help you raise disciplined children. 

Praise Your Child for Good Behavior

Acknowledge and praise your child when they do something right. Specify to the child what they did and what exactly you appreciate about their deed. Doing this helps a child feel respected and loved. For example, let the child know that you are proud of them for clearing the dinner table and taking the dishes to the kitchen.

Set Clear Rules

Set a clear and consistent daily routine that your child can follow. It is easier for a child to follow set rules when they practice the same pattern daily. If it is sleeping time, it should be set to be at the same time every day to help the children adapt to it. If you give the child a time out, explain to them what they have done wrong and why they are being put on time out. Set the quiet place at the same place and the same seat or corner away from distractions to maintain good behavior.

Clear Communication 

Establish effective communication with your child. Train them to use their words to express their emotions when they want something rather than crying, throwing a tantrum, or being destructive. When correcting children, only use a few and simple words rather than a long lecture. Young children lose concentration very fast, and it is unnecessary to engage them in a lengthy discussion.

Also, be open to your children and let them know that they can tell you anything, whether good or bad, and you will not judge them, but always be there to support them. When children understand that they can trust you, it builds their confidence and prevents them from deciding to talk or share secrets with other people who might give them the wrong advice.

Listen As They Speak 

One proven method of talking to your children is by going down on their level and actively engaging with them. Teach them from an early age that it is essential to use magic words such as sorry, thank you, please, etc. Even when a child is throwing a tantrum, remember to use a soft but firm tone when correcting them. If they feel that you respect their opinion and listen to them, they will reciprocate that behavior by listening to what you say and obey.

Model Good Behavior

As children are growing, they learn more by observing rather than hearing what they are being told. Interestingly, they pay more attention when you think they cannot hear or understand what you are talking about. They watch how their parents interact with others, how they talk, and the words they use and emulate that. Therefore, a parent needs to set a good example and be careful with their actions and the words they use when they are in the presence of their children. 

Give Them Duties to Do 

Giving your children appropriate tasks with their age helps them grow to have a sense of responsibility. They feel valued when they are helpful around the house. You can assign them tasks like putting away their toys, cleaning their mess, helping you prepare food, among other tasks according to their developmental level. It is also the best way to interact with them as you teach them new skills.

Give Your Children Attention

All children are attention seekers. Sometimes they will exhibit bad manners just to gain your attention. You can redirect their lousy behavior by engaging with them or giving them something fun to do to make them busy.

You can also ignore their bad behavior to teach them a lesson. For example, if your child keeps on crying for no reason at all, ignore them and only talk when they have calmed themselves down. That will train them that crying will not help them.

Family Time

Family time is important in any child’s development, social interactions, and education. A child from a stable home will be more confident, secure, and happy. You can set a tradition for your family. For example, put all Sundays to be family time so the children will grow up looking forward to Sundays. They do not have to be reminded to save the date because they know the importance of spending quality time with their family.

As the children grow, their behaviors keep on changing. You should also change the strategies you use and focus on more advanced methods to match the child’s age. There are disciplining methods that work for all the children regardless of age, such as being polite, anger management, and respecting others. As you correct your child, let them know that you love them and hug them often to feel loved and confident.