Disciplining preschoolers

Disciplining preschoolers is a lesser problem that dealing with toddlers. Four year olds and older kids are able to effectively learn what is right and wrong. This is the stage where your child is trying her luck and somehow disobeys your rules purposely.

The rules you set at this developmental stage can make or break your child’s character. Let your child know she is wrong with love. The only advantage of this age is the fact that they know it when they are breaking the rules.

How to Discipline a Preschooler

The rules for this age are similar to those of a toddler. (Please go to Disciplining Toddler page through a link at the bottom of this page for more.) Briefly, reward good behavior, be realistic, be consistent, apply the same rules with all adults in your child’s life, lead by example and avoid spanking. I cant emphasize consistency enough.

Research has found “time-out” to be a very effective form of punishment. All forms of punishment work when the child knows exactly why they are being punished. Mention to your child why they deserve time-out. Give them a warning before they get the real punishment.

Timeout should be in a room that doesn’t have entertainment. A room with a TV set, toys or books will not work. The aim is to let the child know purposely doing wrong doesn’t have rewards but negative consequences.

A specific time limit has to be set for the isolation period. Some experts use the age of the child as a guide for the amount of time the child is isolated. Be conscious not to make the time too short or too long to serve the purpose.

Your child will fight you on this and try to leave the room you placed him in. if you put him there and he leaves, take him back with a new set of minutes every time. Remember the golden rule of rewarding good behavior .

Setting and enforcing rules is equally not easy for the child and the parent. Always remember that it’s the only way to mold your kids’ characters. They will thank you someday.

Who's in Charge? a Positive Parenting Approach to Disciplining Preschoolers.

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