How to Avoid Ineffective Punishment

Many parents who struggle with their child's behavior often find that they have ineffective punishment. But that's because punishment in and of itself is often not all that effective. To punish someone, by definition, is to make them feel pain. Whereas, discipline is about teaching kids better behavior. If you can master the latter, you will be on the right path to effectively dealing with undesired behaviors in children.

It’s all about your perspective as a parent: An effective form of discipline usually works better than an “effective punishment".

Effective Discipline Measures

When it comes to teaching kids right from wrong and helping to shape behaviors, positive reinforcement is a much more effective discipline approachthan punishment. When you use positive reinforcement, rather than ineffective punishment, (such as spanking), you will teach your child the right behavior, as well as how to deal with others. Here are some tips for avoiding ineffective punishment with your child:

Parenting Tips for Better Behavior in Children

• Keep the connection behind ineffective punishment and constancy in mind. It is important to be consistent with children when you are trying to shape their behavior.
• Use a positive reinforcement model to get desired behavior. You can easily do this by using things like behavior charts, having your child sign a behavior contract, and getting them to use a behavior reflection sheet to write about their behavior.
• Be sure to give rewards and praise when children deserve them. Even for putting in a good effort at something, you should praise them, which will motivate them to want to do better the next time.
• Make sure that everyone is on board with what you are trying to do and reinforce. This is important. Other caregivers, parents, and even teachers, can help keep kids held accountable for something you are trying to teach them.

Positive Parenting - Motivate, Reward, Repeat

The last thing a parent wants is to keep telling their child not to do something over and over. And they certainly don't want to keep punishing them for a particular behavior. But the good news is that you don't have to; you can successfully get the behavior you need and desire, all by using positive routes to improving kids’ behavior! Positive parenting is recommended by experts in the field, and is an extremely effective discipline and behavior approach.