Basic Rules of Discipline

Recently I read a book – “Supernanny” by Jo Frost.

Jo Frost did a great show on Channel Four in the UK few years ago. I happend to see it and was impressed by her warm yet no nonsense approach to disciplining kids.

You should buy her book if you are one of the troubled parent. But remember, badly behaved children mostly are oucome of some issue in parenting, so be prepared to look at yourself and other adults in the house before you point a finger at kids.

 

Here is a summary of Jo’s ten golden rules as given in her book – SUPERNANNY

 

Top
Ten Rules

By
Jo
Frost,
Supernanny

  1. PRAISE
    AND REWARD

Praise
and positive reinforcement are important when it comes to teaching
social skills. Notice good behaviour. Don’t use toys as a treat on a
regular basis.

  1. CONSISTENCY

Don’t
change or make up rules as you go along. Follow through and make sure
your partner backs you up. Constantly reinforce important rules, like
those about crossing the road safely.

  1. ROUTINE

Build
time into schedule for play, indoors and out. Vary play activities
and have special treats or games up your sleeve for days when it is
not possible to go out. Try to get outdoors as much as possible to
let children blow off steam.

  1. BOUNDARIES

Be
clear abut your rules and what you expect in terms of behaviour. Set
limits on TV watching. Teach respect for possessions by keeping chaos
under control. Don’t give into whining and whingeing.

  1. DISCIPLINE

Use
time out / naughty step technique for unacceptable behaviour like
fighting and aggression.

  1. WARNINGS

Give
warnings about what is happening next so that your child can prepare.
Don’t interrupt play suddenly and expect your child to move smoothly
onto the next activity. Give warning before disciplining so that
child can correct behaviour himself.

  1. EXPLANATIONS

Show
and tell your child how you expect him to behave when it comes to
“grey areas”. Always talk over the reason behind fears and give
plenty of assurance. Teach your children how to play games and how to
play with toys.

  1. RESTRAINTS

Don’t
buy your child the entire content of the toy shop. Improvised toys
are just as much fun. Practise toy rotation so that everything’s not
out at once. Take control of TV and monitor what your children are
watching.

  1. RESPONSIBILITY

Teach
your children how to share and take turns. Don’t always hover over
your kids when they play. Use involvement technique for shopping and
other times when you need to be busy.

  1. RELAXATION

Enjoy
your children. Get involved in their play and let then direct it.
Cuddle up with them and read them a story.

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