We all want to spoil our kids and give them everything they want and need. But let’s be real, a spoiled child isn’t just your problem. Spoiled behaviors will affect your child, their social relationships, their academics, their respect for elders, and of course you – the parents.

It’s extremely important for parents to set guidelines early on that will pave the way for a lifetime of disciplined behavior. Believe me, starting early will save you from tantrums and screaming kids later on.

Here are 5 ways to effectively and non-violently maintain discipline in your home for children of all ages…

1) Positive reinforcement.
Always start off showing your child how happy you are when they do the right thing. If they’re infants, do it with a smile or a clap. If it’s a toddler, do it with a hug or a pat on the back. And with older kids, simply tell them how happy you are with their good behavior and be specific. It’s that easy to show your children there are rewards for doing the right thing. They’ll want to make you proud more often.

2) Set the rules and explain them.
Children need to know and understand right from wrong. It’s up to you to teach them why “No” means “No”. We are in an age where kids can easily pick up on negative and violent actions. But your influence is the greatest. Communicate with them why they shouldn’t touch that cord, write on the walls, or push their sibling. Tell them the harm and dangers so it’s clear to them early on that your orders have a distinct purpose.

3) Set Punishments and Enforce them.
Once you’ve already laid out the rules, it’s important to let them know the consequences of not following them. Let them know if they write on the walls agin, they’ll spend the day cleaning it and a week without markers. Or if they push their sibling, they’ll go without playtime for a while. Use stern facial expressions for extremely young children and serious tones for older ones. Always stick to your rules and allow them some time to think about their mistakes.

4) Let the Children Talk it Out.
Sometimes we set our punishments so quickly that we don’t get the whole story. If your child is adamant about sharing the details surrounding their wrongdoings, hear them out! We definitely want to understand the thought process behind their actions so keep an open mind and listen. This is your chance to explain where they made a mistake and how they can avoid it next time around. They will respect you so much more for listening.

5) Allow them to Earn their Rewards.
Don’t just give your child every single thing they ask for. You work hard to get what you’ve got so be sure to teach them the same. Allow your kids to earn treats and rewards with good grades and good behavior. Teach them good manners and strong values while they’re young, so as they grow these lessons will be instilled. The more disciplined your child is, the easier it will be for you, their teachers, and the adults you trust to care for them. Most of all, the safer your children will be!

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