Consistency is the key to successful discipline

  Consistency is the key to successful discipline

Consistency is the key to successfully teaching your child right from wrong when disciplining him. This prevents small sins and bad behaviors from becoming more serious later than worse ones. You need to stand firm and mean it when you say:" turn off the TV now “or” No dessert after dinner because you haven’t touched your dinner."Consistency teaches your child that there are specific consequences for bad actions and inappropriate or unacceptable actions or behaviors. Inconsistency during discipline makes you directly responsible for the misconduct of your children and does not teach them to be responsible for their actions. 

It is also important that each partner agrees with the discipline. If one parent is too strict and the other is too permissive, the child will get involved and try to manipulate the situation in his favor. Parents should agree in advance on disciplinary measures and mutually adhere to consistency in the implementation and monitoring of consequences. This can be especially difficult if the child’s parents are separated or divorced. Even though you may not be together, it is essential to be parents on common ground. Discuss these norms openly and honestly with your ex-husband and child in advance, so that if discipline is necessary, the consequences of such misconduct are well understood in advance. Any disagreements between parents should be discussed at the sight of the child. 

Consistency is about being strong and assertive, even when it is very difficult or stressful. It can sometimes be difficult to come home after a hard day at work to find a difficult night of parenting ahead of you. Your child will constantly test the boundaries and" push the boundaries “ with you to see if there is any play in these consequences. By standing firm, you show that there is nothing and expect them to do nothing less than take responsibility for their actions.