Spare the Rod and Spoil the Child?

So, you are at supermarket billing counter with bags to carry and a child in tow, and the little one cranks up a ruckus for another bar of chocolate. You reason with the little one but your child wants to have none of it. He is stomping his feet and screaming.  He’s throwing a tantrum! You are an embarrassed parent, trying to deal with the situation at hand. Sounds familiar? Welcome to the world of parenting with young children. These tiny ones are individuals with a mind of their own. Disciplining them and teaching them right from wrong at an early age goes a long way.

Here are tips to deal with your child’s tantrums:

Gently explain to your child why they should not make a fuss. Reason with them and get them to understand what happens if they do something, or don’t do something. Older children are mature enough to understand the situation if spoken to gently.

Be firm and authoritative. Do not shout or get aggressive with your child. They are prone to rebel and do exactly the opposite of what they are supposed to do. Instead, be firm and authoritative. They should know they cannot take their parents for granted.

Do not go back on your word. Once you are firm and state something, do not go back on your word. For example, if you tell your child that he cannot have the bar of chocolate, but later give in because he is crying, your child will know that they can get what they want if they fuss a little bit more.

Keep things light, and make it look like a game you’re playing with the child. For example, if your child refuses to wear the seat belt, tell him that it’s a game, and the person who keeps the seat belt on till they reach the destination wins.

In some cases, when all the above tactics fail, then parents can resort to the reward method. Tell your fussy child that if she eats her dinner, she gets to watch her favorite cartoon, or get some dessert. This approach should be used sparingly and not be made a habit.

Disciplining is tough but essential. The method and approach varies considering different styles of parenting. Ensure a balanced disciplining method as a part of the child’s growing up years, and watch how they will turn out into bright and shiny youngsters!