General Principles of Discipline

While every child is different, most children need to be given consistent, clear rules and expectations about behavior. The following are some general principles about discipline:

• Discipline needs to begin as soon as the child is mobile - pulling up and crawling.
• Young infants rely on their parents to provide a safe environment.
• Discipline should be age-focused and should teach age-appropriate behaviors.
• Try to recognize and praise desirable behavior.
• Be a good role model for your child.
• After the discipline occurs, hug your child. Make sure the child knows it is the behavior you are not happy with, not the child.
• Physical punishment is not needed or appropriate.
• Rewards for good behavior should be immediate.