Suggestions for Teaching and Guiding Your Child Without Spanking

DISCIPLINE means GUIDANCE, not punishment.

GUIDANCE means help in learning how to behave toward persons and things.

Being firm but kind will cause the child to cooperate more often than using harsh, angry words.

Set a good example. Your child learns what is right and wrong by your own actions and attitudes.

Give the child a choice whenever possible (as long as the choices are acceptable to you).

Example: Would you rather wear the red shirt or the blue one?

Then accept the child’s decision.

Give 5 or 10 minutes notice before interrupting an activity.

For example, "You need to finish your drawing and wash your hands before dinner."

Frequently review your child’s opportunities for play. Be sure he has toys and art supplies suitable for his age so that he does not act "naughtily" simply because he is bored. Even small babies get bored when they have nothing to look at or hold. When you have to take the child with you to the doctor, dentist, etc., remember to take along books and small toys to keep the child occupied.