What is the best way to punish a child?

Question

My son will be 4 next month

Answer 1

That's up to you. But whatever you do, be consistent. We use time out for the little stuff and a more hands on approach for the really big stuff, which doesn't happen often. But the consistency is what the child responds to. Oh, if I do this, then this'll happen and I don't like when that happens so should I do this. Helps the child work out cause and effect.I know it's a pain...why does the child do it in the first place, why not just listen? Well, over the course of about 2 mo, our four year old has come to learn the consequences. My Mom said I wasn't being consistent, so i started. And things are so much better. I don't get near as mad, and he actually thinks about things before he does or doesn't do them. Good luck and hope this helps

Answer 2

It all depends on how old the child is. That would determine the punishment. Your son is 4 then take the things he like away for what he has done and time out.

Answer 3

did not spank my oldest, DUMB! I'm not sayin beat the kid, just little love taps on his hind end once in awhile. My youngest is spanked and behaves alot better than my oldest did. My oldest got into so much trouble growing up. His school had me put him on meds for ADD at 5, pricipals office I don't know how many times before the 2nd grade. He finally grew out of it (he is 11 now)but I know he did the same things that your little guy is doing because he got away with it. I let him walk all over me. Now my littlest guy oh he is three also, and there is no getting around that, and he pushes my buttons but he knows when he has went too far. Now, Hard enough he knows you mean business, but not hard enough he will feel it the next day! He will hate you and let you know it, but then he will appologize for what he did wrong and most importantly remember it.

Answer 4

My parents did this to us and it worked like a charm:

Take away something important to them. IE: PlayStation and all the games.

When designated time of punishment is up (a couple days or whatever) return the PlayStation back to them but keep the games.

They must EARN their games back. They've "done the time", now they need to start earning privileges again by proving they learned their lesson.

Apply this to whatever it is you take away.

**This is how I punish my son. I take away his Geo-Trax Train Set. When his punishment is over, he gets the track back. He has to earn back his trains though. Help bring your dirty laundry to the laundry room, get a train. Eat all your dinner, get a train. Things like that. I've only had to use this technique once! It leaves a more lasting affect than a quick painless spanking.

Answer 5

I suggest, "To Train Up A Child" by Michael and Debi Pearl and "Dare to Discipline" by Dr. James Dobson.

Answer 6

We use a wooden spoon, Its painted in dif. colors. We started when he knew right from wrong and could understand. At first we would give him a swat on the butt when he defyed us. (he wears a diaper). Now all we have to do is tell him no or tell him to stop, if he doesnt listen we pull out the spoon and it straightns him up, works wonders when were at a restraunt. He is 2 and if you dont start young they will walk all over you. I dont think you should use a hand because hands are for loving and holding.

Answer 7

Take away privlages-something they love.
Timeouts-1 minute each for their age (Example 5 year old, five minutes)
If they're over 6 ground them
If they act like a baby treat 'em like a baby (diapers, pinching cheeks, feed them, making them sleep in a crib, treat them like an infant overall).
Good luck!
~Taylor

Answer 8

You know, if you read that question with a certain tone in your voice and with emphasis on "best", you can make it sound kind of sadistic.

Answer 9

With consistency. The same behavior elicits the same discipline from you each and every time.

Answer 10

It all depends on what you are puishing them for, I firmly belive in never hitting a child I don't belive it teaches them anything!