Consistency Is A Virtue That Pays Rich Dividends

2007-05-29 Word Count: 467 Category: Home & Family

If there is one thing that most parents have issues with regarding child discipline, it is being consistent. It is one of the more difficult child discipline aspects of parenting. If you, as a parent, can get over the initial hurdles to being consistent, there are a number of benefits waiting for you.

Be aware that your children will test your will power. If you have older children and are just establishing consistency, expect defiant children and to have a hard time in getting it established. If you have younger children, you will not have as hard a time establishing this part of child discipline.

It’s always best to start and maintain consistency as early as possible. Most parents wait for children to grow a little older to start establishing rules; they wait too long. It’s better to start when they are young because the younger they are the faster they learn, and for older children it is a longer process since they have to unlearn a certain behavior pattern to adopt a new one. Here are a few tips to maintain consistency:

1. Communication: Communication is the keyword in all relationships. First the parents must sit down and talk to each other and agree upon an action plan. Then they should communicate their expectations regarding child discipline to the children in clear terms.

2. Once you have established child discipline parameters, don't quit half way. Stopping halfway is perhaps the worst thing you can do as a parent when attempting to establish consistency in child discipline. You will have to start over from the beginning just like with any habit-breaking tactic.

3. Flexibility: There are no hard and fast rules of parenting. Parents learn as they go along all the time. So, don't be afraid to change and adapt as the situation demands. Life can’t be lived by the book. Make changes in the action plan if you think it is not working.

4. Always try and support each other even if you have differences at times. You can iron out these differences through communication, but not in the presence of your children otherwise they will get confused messages. It is a good idea to have a support system. This can be a close friend, family member or professional who can provide objective parenting tips and view point.

5. Guidance: If you are not fully confident, you must ask for parenting help from professionals or other parents.

You can establish a routine of child discipline that works for everyone by communicating, persevering, supporting and being willing to ask questions. Remember, being consistent with child discipline isn't easy, but it is rewarding.

For additional information on child behavioral problem and parenting advice visit http://www.good-child-guide.com/.

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Dr. Noel Swanson is a leading expert on child behaviour. He has a top selling book of parenting advice (The GOOD CHILD Guide) and writes for a fascinating website with lots of parenting advice that is well worth a visit. Visit our parenting article directory for a completely unique version of this article.