9 keys to effective discipline

  1. Point out and praise positive behavior, not just misbehavior.
  2. Use a timeout in a low-stimulation area for younger children who won’t settle down.
  3. For older kids, put agreements in writing so everyone remembers what was decided.
  4. Show you care — affection makes kids more willing to correct course.
  5. Focus on the behavior, not the child, in tone and word choice.
  6. Offer choices instead of commands where it’s safe to do so.
  7. Model the behavior you want to see.
  8. Listen to your child’s side, even when the answer is still no.
  9. If both parents are involved, agree on discipline in advance where you can.
  10. Follow through — an empty consequence teaches a child your word doesn’t hold.