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Consistency: The Key to Eliminating Child Behavior Problems

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Written by Dr. Noel Swanson.

Friday, 04 April 2008

by Dr.NoelSwanson.

If there is one thing that most parents have issues with regarding child discipline, it is being consistent. It is one of the more difficult child discipline aspects of parenting. If you, as a parent, can get over the initial hurdles to being consistent, there are a number of benefits waiting for you.

Children are free spirits; they hate to be caged in boundaries of rules and regulations. However, as responsible members of society they need to learn the elementary code of behavior. And, it's the duty of parents to reinforce good behavior on a daily basis until it becomes a part of the child's character. It is a daunting task! After all, characters are not built in a day! So, be prepared to put in your best effort to achieve this goal.

The one thing that will help you achieve this is to be consistent in your actions, reactions and speech. If you are consistent, your child knows you mean business and will listen to you. It's best to start and maintain consistency from the beginning. The younger they are the better they will learn. Here are some magic words 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. Back each other up or have a support system. It is a good idea to have a support system. This can be 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. But you can learn by talking to people or reading books.

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.

About the Author:

Behavior Problems can be solved! To discover the secret, visit author Dr. Swanson's Behavior Problems website and take a look at his very popular book, The GOOD CHILD Guide.

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