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Consistency: The Key to Eliminating Child Behavior Problems |
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Written by Dr. Noel Swanson
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The importance of consistency in parenting can never be
over-emphasized. It is the most essential requirement as far as
child discipline is concerned. Any lapse will cause heavy damage
in terms of reverting to bad behavior by the child. Yet, it
cannot be denied that maintaining consistency is also the most
arduous task. After all, parents are but human and children can
sometimes drive you up the wall. Nonetheless, if you, as a
parent, can get over the initial hurdles to being consistent,
there are a number of benefits waiting for you.
Be aware that your children will test your will power. If you
have older children and are just establishing consistency,
expect defiant children and to have a hard time in getting it
established. If you have younger children, you will not have as
hard a time establishing this part of child discipline.
The younger the children are when you start and maintain
consistency, the better. There are some steps that might help
you get started on the road to providing consistency.
1. Sit down and communicate. This talk should be between parents
and involve laying out a planned course of action for
establishing child discipline. Take a look at areas where
consistency is lacking and develop a plan for establishing
consistency.
2. Don't quit half way. The worse thing you can do as a parent
when attempting to establish consistency in child discipline is
to stop half way. You will have to start over from the beginning
just like with any habit-breaking tactic.
3. Though it is good to have a plan, you should also be flexible
because you are dealing with children that are alive and
vibrant, so, don't be afraid to adapt it as necessary. Dogged
insistence is not consistency. If you need to change a part of
your consistency establishment and maintenance plan, you must
change it. Don't stay with something that is not even working.
4. Team work: Parents must work as a team supporting each other
and backing each other up. You may want a support system
consisting of 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:
Dr. Noel Swanson is a top expert on child behaviour. He writes
for a very informative website with lots of:Parenting Advice
His book, The GOOD CHILD Guide is also
essential reading for any parent. You can download it here: Solving Children's Behavior
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