Use better alternatives to punishment

Instructions

  1. Exclude love withholding from your parenting approach.
    When a child misbehaves, make sure to be present and dedicated to your child. Never ignore the child, emotionally or physically isolate yourself from them, and never tell them that you don't love him because they misbehaved. Instead, talk to them about their behavior or mistakes, and make it clear that their actions do not determine your love for them.
  2. Be less intrusive.
    Be as nice and compassionate as you possibly can. Don't use your authority to intimidate a child. Don't be drawn into a conflict if a child is angry and opposing every proposal you make.
  3. Be honest about your demands and explain the reasons behind them.
    Realize that sometimes what you ask of your child is not very fun. Admit it when your request is tiring and boring. Don't make up reasons for your request that sound more convincing or act like what you want them to do will be fun when it probably won't be. Try to see things from their point of view and explain the reasons for your requests. For example: "I know it's frustrating not being able to play when dad gets home from work, and you're bored, but I need some quiet time to rest."
  4. Gamify tasks.
    Get kids to think creatively about how they can make tasks fun. For example, focusing on the scrubbing of the bristles on the tooth enamel is a good way to get your kid to clean their teeth. These results indicate that plaque and bacteria are being successfully removed. You can make the twists yourself or have a child do it.
  5. Give your example.
    Follow most of the rules you set for your children. For example, if you ask them to clean up after themselves, you should do the same. Children will be happy to follow your lead if you do it yourself.
  6. Give kids options.
    Let the child know that the activity must be done, but allow them to decide how they will do it. Ask your kid how, where, when, or with whom they want to accomplish what is required. For example, if a child doesn't want to wash his hands before dinner, you could say, "I know what you're doing right now is more fun than washing hands, but if your hands aren't clean, you could get sick. So, do you want to wash them in the kitchen or in the bathroom? Do you want to wash your hands on your own, or do you want me to help you?"

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