Say "No" to Spanking

Healthy Methods for Disciplining Your Child

• Prevention is the first step in dealing with problem behavior. When you childproof your home, protect it as well as your child by placing breakables and untouchables out of reach.
• For infants and toddlers, distraction often works best. Offer a toy or something to distract your child from what she can't have or a tantrum that's under way.
• Time out (at the rate of one minute for each year of age) works well with preschool and early elementary children. A lengthy time out often isn't feasible for young children and can defeat the purpose. If a small child refuses his time out, calmly place him there. If he repeatedly leaves, sit with him or hold him until he learns that time outs will be enforced.
• Use natural consequences. If your child leaves without a jacket, providing the weather isn't dangerously cold, allow him to learn from his mistake. Being uncomfortable or missing school recess will be strong motivators to wear a jacket in the future.
• When you make rules, choose logical consequences that relate to them. If your child destroys something, make her pay for it. If your child ignores a request, take the toy or activity that she's involved with. Television and video games are often culprits, and the loss of these activities can do wonders. If older children overuse the telephone or don't come home on time, put a temporary halt to social privileges.
• Give yourself a time out if you lose your cool. If another adult is around, ask him to take charge; if not, make sure your child is safe, then step out of the room. Take plenty of deep breaths. When you're thinking clearly again, determine the best course of action before confronting your child.
• For children with AD/HD, special needs, or behavior problems, use a token economy to reinforce positive behavior and reduce the negative. Reward and penalize your child with tokens for various behaviors, which can later be exchanged for rewards. For tips on introducing such a program, see Harvey C. Parker's Behavior Management at Home: A Token Economy Program for Children and Teens (Specialty Press, 1996).
• Finally, choose your battles wisely.

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I have tried so hard not to spank my children (it is really hard) ... spanking i have to come realize is doing more effect on the parent as it is for the child ... it is the need for the adult to release the frustration and the child gets the heat ... something that we should never ever succumb.

We are being looked up by our children and we should at all times be someone they can rely on and not someone to be afraid of.

Let us please try to control ourselves and be responsible parents .. our children are our treasures .. let's keep them safe and secure.