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”
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
DISCIPLINE
Use
time out / naughty step technique for unacceptable behaviour like
fighting and aggression.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
RELAXATION
Enjoy
your children. Get involved in their play and let then direct it.
Cuddle up with them and read them a story.