Good Age to Start Disciplining?

Asked by stayathomemom {104}
3/1/2010 7:07:03 PM

What is a reasonable age to start disciplining your child for bad behaviour? And what are some age appropriate discipline methods you have used successfully?

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Answered by mecheshier {121}
3/1/2010 4:42:33 PM

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I feel a reasonable age to start disciplining is when a child realizes they are doing wrong. A children are different, but usually the average age is around 1. Discipline should be age appropriate. E.g. I would not ground a child who is 2 years old. I feel the best method of discipline is one that pertains to the issue at hand. For instance, if a child decides to yell and throw tantrums in public ( the store, etc) then I would let them know that it is not acceptable behavior and if it continues then “We” will have to leave. If that doesn’t work the let the child know that if they behave in an unacceptable manner again then they will be “grounded” from going there in “X’ amount of time.

When children throw fits in the store, that usually means they don't want to be there for the shopping extravaganza. So, leaving as a form of punishment, usually results in a win for the child. - newgeekymom 3/1/2010 7:53:17 PM | Flag

i agree as well but you cant let the child win. because us parents will not always get to be on the childs schedule and things do occur. - Regina 3/1/2010 7:57:48 PM | Flag

It might be appropriate to offer a reward for the child if they get through the entire shopping trip and are good the whole time. You might let them pick out a candle at the check out stand or get something small on the way home. Always praise positive behavior and have them help you at the store so that they feel involved. Act like you really need their help to get the groceries picked out. Let them feel like they are making some of the choices if they are old enough. - Raeraevnessa 3/1/2010 5:34:50 PM | Flag

sometimes talking with them doesn't work --- children are smarter than you think... if they know they can get away with anything, they will. You have to be firm and make sure the child knows that whatever he does is futile, and he can not have his way. Positive reinforcement is really effective too. I would definitely reward my son for good behavior so he will repeat it...and try not to feed his negative behaviors. I'm not saying ignore him completely, just so you know, he should know that his behavior is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. Never let your emotions get the best of you, be very patient and understanding with your child. - melissam 3/2/2010 12:24:03 AM | Flag

Great answers. I always find the good old stand by of giving time outs to be the most effective. My kids hate missing out on being part of the action and they know I mean business when I make them sit on that special chair. - MomUv5 3/4/2010 8:24:02 PM | Flag

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Answered by melissam {107}
3/2/2010 12:16:10 AM

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In my opinion, there's no best time to discipline your child. You should start early incorporating the values you want to teach your child when the child starts to understand language. Your son or daughter may not understand the whole picture of why he or she can't do something or isn't allowed to do something, so you should speak in terms that your child will understand. Be patient and understanding. Never be harsh or criticize your child. Also be a good role model, practice what you preach.

I had a really hard time taking care of my 2 yr old boy, he was constantly hitting me, making a mess and screaming. For a while, I noticed that I was feeding his bad behavior, by giving him the attention he wanted. I would tell him that what he's doing isn't right and other things like that, but that didn't work. So I tried another technique, I stopped paying attention whenever he would do things that would irk me, and only paid attention to the good things he does. He stopped most of his bad behavior and I was glad I noticed it before it worsened.

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Answered by Kensmelangelo {152}
http://holyninjaprogrammer.blogspot.com
4/2/2010 5:37:34 PM

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I think you should start disciplining your child as early as several months old. Most people see the word discipline and they automatically think of punishment or spanking. That's not the case at all. I look at discipline like gardening and quite honestly you start doing it very early without even realizing it. I think the real question is What are some appropriate discipline techniques for a child this or that age? You can start disciplining a baby as young as several months simply by having a steady feeding time and being consistent in other areas. As they grow you can add the right versus wrong values and whatnot.

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