What is the best way/method to discipline a child?

Question

And why...? What methods have you found worked the best for disciplining/punishing your child?

Babysitter's views are also welcomed. [:

Answer 1

communication is the best way to discipline, your discipline needs to be backed up with a consequence, such as time outs, grounding, or spankings.

Discipline and Consequences work together.

Answer 2

There is no best way - what works for one child won't work for another. I use something called "consequences" - bTW, I invented this. If my kids cross the line, then they get a consequence, which means they miss the "next good thing". I didn't have the wherewithall to figure out "what" they would lose in advance, as they would weigh the crime against what they wanted to do. This way, they don't know what they will lose, so they're much more cautious. I do have a limit of 3 consequences per day, and if I didn't find one by the end of the day, the next day starts off fresh.

A consequence can be as simple as water instead of a drink at dinner, or no ice cream, or not going to a friends house, or losing the gameboy for a period of time. It's easy to implement, requires no planning whatsoever.

Answer 3

The most important part of discipline is being consistant. When you say NO mean it. No caving in to whining!!! When a punishment is necessary, make the time fit the crime.

I found as the children got older physical labor like cleaning house worked really well.

Remember you are the parent not a friend. Friendship will come when the kids reach adulthood.

Answer 4

I definately agree that it depends on the child. Every child reacts to things differently. And I also agree with sticking to your guns-nothing is going to work if you give in every time. Just try different things and see what works best.
With my 9 year old step son we found taking a toy away when he was bad worked the best. He would get a toy back when he was good.

Answer 5

I am a teen and I find that too hard of a discipline prompts me to rebel but too easy a discipline makes me feel like I'm off the hook. So I suggest you use grounding (send your child to their room or say NO VIDEO GAMES AND TV or something.)

Answer 6

i dont find that spanking works... infact im against it. I believe in time outs and learning consequences for their actions whether they be good or bad. Time outs work most of the time. If they are followed by an explination of why they were put there and a recognization on the childs part of why what they did got them to where they are.

Answer 7

I think it all depends on the child. My 7 yr old responds only when you spank him(which I know alot of people disagree with), but then my 3 yrd old thinks the world has come to an end when you make him sit on the couch. I always follow all forms of discipline with a sit and talk sessions to discuss why the discipline happened in the first place and what is expected from then on. SO I say it depends on the child. As the say we are all different.

Answer 8

Talking calmly with my children worked the best. Time out in a quiet place to think about their actions helps. Make sure they have ample time to explain their actions to you and never disipline them with anger. You are teaching them to be responsible, not punishing them for being children.

Answer 9

Watch Supper Nanny on ABC, believe it or not, she actually has some great ideas. I've tried a few myself, and for my baby, it WORKS!

Answer 10

I was raised with a combination of spanking and grounding. I don't know if it's best for everyone, but it was the best for me.