Parenting never comes with a manual; it's a natural instinct that offers bitter-sweet memories. Every parent's journey is unique and should be taken in good fate regardless of the child's behavior. In regards to discipline, no child is born stubborn. The nature is triggered by multiple aspects such as environment, influence, a defense mechanism and more.

Children pose different behaviors, some violating family or typical cultural values. Tantrums and physical violence are simple behaviors evident in infants/toddlers, which they may outgrow. However, kids can portray other disgracing acts that require more attention. Parents need to develop healthy, loving and positive reinforcement techniques for child discipline.  

Positive reinforcement techniques for child discipline: Behavior as communication

All behaviors come with an interpretation. Our children communicate via certain actions that they expect us to understand. However, it's challenging, especially in the infant-toddler stage, to analyze the behaviors. Parents and guardians need to understand behaviors are a communication tactic where kids express their inner feelings.

Though challenging to understand, parents need to take time to observe without hasty reactions. The shouting, time out or beating won't solve the indiscipline. Actually, it drifts the child far from you, creating an emotional space. It’s wise to regularly review expert disciplining and behavior management advice to avoid losing our children in the discipline process.

What is Discipline?

Discipline is the structure that supports the child to fit into the world happily and effectively. Positive discipline is essential in engaging your children in warmth, praise, interest and kindness. The importance of effective discipline is finding a way to communicate kindly and effectively to your children when something is wrong.

5 Proven Positive reinforcement techniques for child discipline

• Redirection

Toddlers have little attention length, and it is difficult to redirect them to another activity when they're acting out. If you have a child playing with a dangerous object, try giving another toy that will attract the child's attention and dispose of the harmful item. However, if it doesn't work, take the child to another room to divert their attention. Parents can use easy strategies like redirection to reduce a lot of arguments and unwanted behavior.

• Positive reinforcement

Have every opportunity to praise your children for their good behavior. When praised for the right actions, kids are likely to behave in that desired way repeatedly. Reinforcement is more effective in praising specific acts of good behavior rather than their characters or personalities. Suppose your child shows concern for someone who is hurt or seems sad; be sure to appreciate their kindness.

• Use single-word reminders

Instead of making complex demands on your child, try using single-word warnings to get your message across instantly. Tell them straight away and do remind your child to use their manners when asking for something, and explain why it is important to use the word please. Remember to explain your reasoning later. If they don't comply immediately, make your stand known to avoid repetition.

• Time–in instead of time-out

This can be an effective approach, but it can take time to get it right. Some parents mess up when attempting to use this disciplinary technique. If your instinct is to interact and not banish your child when they have done something wrong, you can try a time–in. When your kid calms down, you can discuss better choices for next time and encourage them to apologize for their mistakes. Time-in helps promote good behaviour but is most effective when paired with occasional reminders.

• Selective ignoring

Looking the other way on minor problems can work well. Like when your child spills milk on the floor or repeatedly interrupts you when conversing with a grown-up. When a child sees a reaction from you, either positive or negative, they are less likely to act out again.

However, use selective ignoring judiciously. You should put an end to that behaviour and consider a consequence like a time-out or in if the child continues with the behaviour. The main aim of positive discipline is that there are suitable for children to correct their behaviours.

Discipline and behaviour management skills for parents and Guardians

Besides controlling our kids’ behaviours, parents need to review their disciplining strategies for better results. Behaviour management prevents behaviours from occurring or recurring by providing skills to empower individuals to control their actions. Here are some effective behaviour management strategies to use during a challenging situation:

• Being mindful of your reaction

Knowing that your behaviour will impact your children, managing any underlying behaviours is important. Having knowledge of effective and respectful behaviour management strategies helps you regain control and make positive choices.

• Maintain rational detachment

Parenting is unique, and it’s advisable to sieve the types of advice sources. Maintain your control by not taking negative comments. With these skills, you can better defuse challenging behaviours and promote positive ones.

• Be attentive

Pay attention to other people's feelings. Don't make others to feel ignored, as it's a way to counter someone's anxiety and validate their feelings. Your body language and facial expression show you're listening, thus taking away the reason for being upset.

• Know your limits

Knowing where you stand and support is crucial to controlling your behaviour and responding appropriately. Knowing your limits and keeping them in mind allows others, especially your children, to know what boundaries they can’t break.

• Debrief

Talking about the problem can help relieve one stress. It is essential to consider what was done well and how to respond better the next time a situation arises. Proper behavior management techniques help in controlling a crisis and managing complex behaviours with confidence.

Conclusion

Positive discipline is the best method that puts children in better shape rather than punishment. Parents/ guardians should use a comprehensive approach emphasizing teamwork and open communication with their children. This helps give our children the support and courage they need in adulthood.