Last Updated on November 21, 2020
4. Bribing your child
If you promise your child a reward if they behave correctly, the message they will retain is that bad behavior followed by good behavior can get them something. So, there is no “do this and dad will give you a lollipop” – instead, invest in open communication, and show them the positive consequences of doing a good thing.
5. Random consequences
If you want to punish your child for something, the punishment should fit the crime. Why? Because direct consequences work by association. For example, if your child went out and didn’t come home at the time you told them to, the punishment should be that they have to come even earlier the following week. If they still violate curfew, the punishment should be staying at home for a while.
6. Putting your partner in line
You should never criticize your partner’s disciplinary decisions in public. As parents, you should stay united and come up with a disciplinary strategy that fits your shared values. It’s not ok for a child to have a parent that always excuse their behaviors, and another one who has to play the “bad cop.” The role is meant to be shared, and poor communication should be avoided if you are trying to build a healthy relationship between all the members of your family.
7. Getting the roles confused
It is only natural that as your child grows up, you will feel the need to explain to them why you do the things you do, and why you ask what you ask from them. But even though you feel the need to explain yourself, that doesn’t mean you need your child’s consent to discipline them. It is good that you treat them like ‘’grown children’’, but the final word belongs to you. Again, open communication is the best way to get through to them, and if you have a chance to make them understand the reasoning behind your demands, the better. Keep in mind that children are stubborn, and they might misunderstand you on purpose, but that’s not in your hands.
