Why So Naughty?

Your preschooler seems immune to punishment? Learn how to discipline her more effectively.

- Dr Richard C.Woolfson

When you were a young child, you stopped in your tracks the minute your parents so much as looked disapprovingly at you.

Yet your own five-year-old seems totally immune to punishments, and she seems to ignore all the consequences of her behaviour.

Now is the time to stand back and carefully consider the way you use punishments as part of your discipline.

Punishments are effective only when they are applied consistently.

Decide on the rules for your child’s behaviour and stick to them no matter what she does.

Consider what you expect of her in terms of her behaviour towards other children and adults. Explain these expectations to her, point that she mustn’t cross the lines you have set, and stick to your decision.

Don’t give in to her, even if she insists the rules aren’t fair, or if she throws a tantrum in protest.

Tell her clearly what will happen if she misbehaves. If she breaks the rules, punish her as said.