Common Methods for Disciplining Your Child

Disciplining your child is not an easy task. There are so many methods to choose from. Child psychologists, teachers, and parents have argued over how to correctly discipline children. Some say that spanking is taboo, while supporters praise its effectiveness. Some say you just need to listen and reason with the child. Some even say to let the child be free and let him do as he pleases. So how do you discipline your child effectively with so many arguments over this issue? Here are some methods commonly used by parents.

Time Out. Parents use this form of discipline when a child shows unruly behavior and needs to think about what he or she has done. The child is put in a corner of a room without anything to entertain him or her. The length of time a child remains in time out depends on the age of the child, a minute for every year. At the end of the time out session, the child is usually asked these questions. "What did you do?" "What will you do next time?" The child is also made to say "I'm sorry" for his inappropriate behavior.

Taking away privileges. This method of discipline works when a child repeatedly does not listen to adult commands or consistently refuses to follow rules.
If a teenager's curfew is 11:00 and he or she comes home at 12:00 two nights in a row, then the teen is not allowed to go out next time. If a child refuses to pick up video games off the floor, then the video game itself is taken away.

Practice. This is practiced in many teachers' classrooms. If a child is caught running in the classroom or hallway, then the child must turn around and walk.
Parents can use this method if a child runs in the house. If a child throws toys into the toy box, then he or she is made to take them out and put them away correctly. You can use this method to practice sitting in a chair at the dinner table, putting clothes away, etc.