There are many ways of disciplining your offspring and here are a few pointers to get you heading in the right direction………
Physical punishment
Hitting your child in any way is ineffective as well as inappropriate. It shows a child that physical methods of getting your own way are acceptable. Finding alternative skills are essential as the tendency to be physical is not to be tolerated. A parent should see themselves as a teacher , not an enforcer.
Inconsistency
Being consistent is the best way to teach children what is or is not acceptable behavior. You cannot accept something one day and discipline your child for the same offence another day. This will confuse the child and they will not get to understand the concept of right and wrong very easily.

Losing Your temper
We must never take disciplinary action when angry. Shouting, swearing and losing control will show the child that this behaviour is acceptable within the circles of family and friends. At times when you are at your most annoyed and anger is raging try to count to ten or find some way of taking time out. A calm voice and steady approach to our children is what they will best respond to.
Being played against their mom
As a dad you should ensure your child isn’t playing you and mum off against each other. Finding common ground as parents will mean that the child will not seek the more lenient parent for a given scenario. As a result both parents remain in control and are not undermined.
Imposing excessive guilt
Stay away from inflicting guilt trips on your child. These can have lasting effects on them. It’s better to stick to the more trusted “consequences of your actions” approach.

Lecturing
Rather than droning on at your child try to engage in a two way dialogue. Your child will react to you in a more appropriate way if they feel that their opinion is of some importance. Lecturing a child will probably see them switch of and it’ll all go in one ear and out of the other.

Comparing with others
Comparing one child with another serves no purpose. The child doesn’t want to hear “well, your sister never did that” or “ Can’t you just behave like your brother”. It is not constructive and can make your child inadequate.

Bribery
Trying to bribe a child is dangerous. This is so because in many cases you will give the child something for being good so they will expect something everytime they are good. No reward may lead to poor behaviour. Try letting your children know how good it feels and show them the benefits of making the right choices and following the rules.

Author: SuperDads

We’re here to make a difference. Superdads not only offers advice but we are her e to promote the importance of fatherhood. Many people are oblivious to the fact that Dads really do matter and this is something we’d like to put right.

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