Emotional maturity takes time, good examples to imitate and years of practice. Children’s emotional needs and feelings should always be respected. Children need to know that it is ok to feel frustrated or angry, but it is not ok to scream or hit others. The following strategies will not work like magic, or even every time with each child, but they do work if you are patient and consistent.

The following techniques rely on a problem‑solving approach. Sometimes we have children try things before they are ready. (physically, mentally, socially, or emotionally) There is a “right time” when the child is ready for the experience. This is called the “teachable moment.” Usually if children are helped not forced in to a new experience they are more apt to enter into it willingly and eagerly. Some children require more preparing ahead than others. If done properly there will be less discipline problem because they will know what is expected.

Infants: Setting Limits - Limits can lead to a more enjoyable relationship because the children know where they stand. It gives them a true sense of security. Let the tone of voice do part of the job. Speaking in a pleasant voice will get attention. It’s better not to shout at young children, move nearer and speak directly to them at eye level. Speaking quietly calms the child.

Toddlers: Understanding the Rules - To set the stage for self‑control tell children there are rules in life that people live by, and there are rules in their classrooms, as well as each family has their own set of rules. Before we expect children to do as they are told we must be sure they understand “right” from “wrong”. Especially young children need to be told over and over again. Be brief, because until a child is at least three years old long explanations of why you want him to do this or that are practically useless. It’s better to say that it’s right or wrong, or it’s just the rule!

Preschoolers: Solving Problems - Focus on solutions not problems. Encourage children to come up with their own solutions. Keep your suggestions to a minimum; it prevents children from using their own ideas. Never do anything for children that they can do for themselves. Children can dress themselves if they have clothes that are easy to put on and have been taught how to do it. When adults continue to dress children after the age of two they are robbing them of responsibility, self-sufficiency, and self-confidence.
Without these skills they will not be good learners in school, nor will they develop the skills they will need for later success in life. This does not mean you can never do anything for a child, but it does mean that children are shortchanged when they don’t learn how capable they can be on their own.

Children Develop Positive Discipline If We:

‑ Act as we expect them to act.          - Set reasonable and positive expectation.
‑ Respect their feelings.                      - Trust them to succeed.
‑ Offer them good choices.                 - Calmly talk about problems.

BEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE CHILDREN IS YOUR TIME.