Discipline

Discipline

Choosing Discipline Techniques

The discipline techniques you choose may depend on the type of inappropriate behavior your ward displays, your ward age, your ward temperament, and your supervising style. The following techniques can be incredibly helpful

Recognize good behavior

Acknowledging good behavior is the best way to encourage your ward to continue it

Natural consequences

Natural consequences can work well with ward who don't seem to "hear" your warnings about the potential outcome of their behavior. It’s a great way to get ward to understand the cause and effect of their choices. Be sure, however, that any consequence they might experience isn't dangerous

Logical consequences This technique is similar to natural consequences, but involves describing to your ward what the consequences will be for unacceptable behavior. The consequence is directly linked to the behavior

Taking away privileges Okay, so sometimes there isn't a logical or natural consequence for a bad behavior -- or you don't have time to think it through! In this case, the consequence for unacceptable behavior may be taking away a privilege. This discipline technique works best if the privilege is

1.     Related in some way to the behavior

2.      Something the ward values

3.      Does not reinforce the bad behavior

4.      It “fits” the crime—isn’t too severe or too mild

5.      Taken away as soon as possible after the inappropriate behavior

6.      Focused on teaching the ward something

Time outs

What about corporal punishment and spanking?

1.     It can make a ward more aggressive

2.     it can become progressively violent and harm the ward

Tips for Maintaining Discipline

Be consistent!

you are trying to teach your ward to make connections. Unless there is consistency, those connections cannot be made.

Guide your discipline techniques to fit well with your ward temperament.

The key to effective discipline is to understand who your ward is, especially his/her temperamental style, and use your discipline to help him/her achieve his potential given those talents and tendencies

Communicate your discipline plan

Discipline techniques shouldn't come "out of the blue," especially if you're trying something new. explain what you are doing, why, and how it will help them

Be respectful

If you show your ward respect -- even when disciplining your ward  -- your ward is more likely to respect you, other members, and other people in his or her life. If you "lose it" or overreact with disrespect and heated anger or frustration, apologize to your ward

When it's done, it's done

After the consequence is over or the time has been served, don't ask for apologies or continue to lecture about the behavior

Understand what is appropriate for your ward development.

Before disciplining a ward, make sure that the ward really did understand what you asked him or her to do.

Look for the "why" behind behaviors

If you notice a pattern of inappropriate behavior, part of the solution is to look for "whys

Give yourself a break!

Even if you have the best discipline techniques and supervising  style, there are some days when nothing seems to work. Or perhaps you've had a bad day, too! Developing skills for positive discipline takes a lot of practice and a lot of time. If you feel you have made a mistake, be honest. Apologize to your ward and explain why you are apologizing

Know When and Where to Go for Help

1.    Ongoing disrespect for all authorities

2.     Aggressive or destructive behavior

3.     Social withdrawal: signs of depression, such as feeling blue for a long time or having     no friends

4.     Several relationships within the family are difficult for the child

5.     Excessive feelings of isolation and/or rejection.

6.     Feelings of being picked on or persecuted

7.     Expression of serious violence/threats

8.       uncontrolled anger

9.     Patterns of impulsive and chronic hitting, intimidating, and bullying behavior