20 THINGS TO DO INSTEAD OF PUNISHMENT, BY ALETHA SOLTER, Ph.D.
1. LOOK FOR UNDERLYING NEEDS.
ExaExample: Give your child something to play with while waiting in line.
2. GIVE INFORMATION AND REASONS.
Example: If your child colors on the wall, explain why we color on paper
only.
3. LOOK FOR UNDERLYING FEELINGS.
Acknowledge, accept & listen to feelings. Example: If your child hits his
baby sister, encourage him to express his anger and jealousy in harmless
ways. He may need to cry or rage.
4. CHANGE THE ENVIRONMENT.
This is sometimes easier than trying to change the child. Example: If your
child repeatedly takes things out of the kitchen cupboards, put a childproof
lock on them.
5. FIND ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATIVES.
Redirect your child's behavior. Example: If you do not want your child to
build a fort in the dining room, don't just say no. Tell her where she can
build one.
6. DEMONSTRATE HOW YOU WANT YOUR CHILD TO BEHAVE.
Example: If your child pulls a cat's tail, show her how to pet a cat. Do not
rely on words alone.
7. GIVE CHOICES RATHER THAN COMMANDS.
Decision-making empowers children; commands invite a power struggle.
Example: "Would you like to brush your teeth before or after putting your
pajamas on?"
8. MAKE SMALL CONCESSIONS.
Example: "I'll let you skip brushing your teeth tonight because you are so
tired."
9. PROVIDE FOR A PERIOD OF PREPARATION.
Example: If you are counting on company for dinner, tell your child how you
expect him to behave. Be specific. Role-playing can help prepare children for
potentially difficult situations.
10. LET NATURAL CONSEQUENCES OCCUR (when appropriate).
Don't rescue too much. Example: A child who does not hang up her bathing suit
and towel may find them still wet the next day. (But don't create artificial
consequences.)
11. COMMUNICATE YOUR OWN FEELINGS.
Let children know how their behavior affects you. Example: "I get so tired of
cleaning up crumbs in the living room."
12. USE ACTIONS WHEN NECESSARY.
Example: If your child insists on running across streets on your walks
together, hold his hand tightly (while explaining the dangers).
13. HOLD YOUR CHILD.
Children who are acting aggressively or obnoxiously can benefit from holding,
in a loving and supportive way, that allows them to channel their pent-up
feelings into healing tears.
14. REMOVE YOUR CHILD FROM THE SITUATION AND STAY WITH HER.
Use the time for listening, sharing feelings, holding, and conflict-
resolution.
15. DO IT TOGETHER, BE PLAYFUL.
Many conflict situations can be turned into games. Examples: "Let's pretend
we're the seven dwarfs while we clean up," "Let's take turns brushing each
other's teeth."
16. DEFUSE THE SITUATION WITH LAUGHTER.
Example: If your child is mad at you, invite him to express his anger in a
playful pillow fight with you. Play your part by surrendering dramatically.
Laughter helps resolve anger and feelings of powerlessness.
17. MAKE A DEAL, NEGOTIATE.
Example: If you're ready to leave the playground and your child is having
fun, reach an agreement on the number of times she may go down the slide
before leaving.
18. DO MUTUAL CONFLICT-RESOLUTION.
Discuss ongoing conflicts with your children, state your own needs, and ask
for their help in finding solutions. Determine rules together. Hold family
meetings.
19. REVISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS.
Young children have intense feelings and needs and are naturally loud,
curious, messy, willful, impatient, demanding, creative, forgetful, fearful,
self-centered, and full of energy. Try to accept them as they are.
20. TAKE A PARENTAL TIME-OUT.
Leave the room and do whatever is needed to regain your sense of composure
and good judgment. Examples: call a friend, cry, meditate, or take a shower.
http://www.amazon.com/Tears-Tantrums-What-Babies-Children/dp/0961307366
