Parenting Helps and Hints / Discipline Tips for Parents Discipline problems occur not only at school, but also in the home. Here are a few tips that should be needed when you are faced with a disruptive child:

Don't disapprove of the child - disapprove of what he/she does.

Give attention and praise for good behavior - not bad.

Encourage and allow discussion - but remember, it is the parent that makes the final decision. Punishment should be swift, reasonable, related to the offense, and absolutely certain to occur.

Throw out all rules you are unwilling to enforce, and be willing to change the rules if and when you think they need changing.

Don't lecture and don't warn - youngsters will remember what they think is important to remember.

Don't feel that you should try to justify rules, although you should try to explain them. Allow your child to assume responsibility for his/her decisions as he/she shows the ability to do so.

Don't expect your child to demonstrate more self-control than you do. Be honest with your child - hypocrisy shows. The most important factor in your child's self-image is what he/she thinks you think of him/her. A child's self-image is a major factor in how he/she acts.