When I first became a parent I read most anything I could find that would give me insight on what it took to be a good parent. Everyone, it seemed, had their opinion on the best way to discipline a child when their behavior warrented it. Through the years, though, my husband and I have come to realize that there is no "magic" solution that can be applied to each child.
We were discussing this recently in one of those late night, lay in bed, conversations. We were trying to come up with a creative way to encourage a certain behavior in one of our children. Of course, as is typical with these conversations, we spidered off into talking about how each child responds to different forms of discipline.
Discipline can take many different forms. The goal, however, is always the same - to train our children, encourage right behavior, and teach them how to do better next time - all done with a true love for our children. Each of our children is unique. One of them usually only requires a scolding and a look to change their behavior or attitude. For another, isolation works wonders because this child loves to be in the center of the ring. Going to bed early works for one of them, and revoking priveleges is effective for most of them.
What's important is that we know our children and what motivates them. Being home with them really allows me to study them and find out what works and what doesn't work. There is no "magic formula" that can be applied to every child - regardless of what all those books and magazines say. Study your child, know them, and lovingly discipline them in the way that works best for them. |
