METHODS FOR DISCIPLINING CHILDREN 7 TO 12 YEARS OLD


 


      The disciplinary actions for children ages 7 years old until 12 is basically the second most crucial stage in a child’s life they have already past of the formative years of 1 to 6 years of age and basically they have already established a conditions of what discipline is all about. Children at this age may already known and past on the stages of corporal punishment including spanking and others. This can be an effective tool for disciplining a child but often it should be the last option and it should only be done for the sake of disciplining a child not as a form of torture. “Spare the rod and spoiled the child” is correct but it should not injure their physical body and their inner self.  “It should not go as far as violence since it is different from discipline.


      There are many ways to discipline a child and it should begin as early as possible not only during the time they misbehave, for children can use it as an option to get the parents attention. Children at the tender age of 7 to 12 is most prone to danger of curiosity, peer pressure, experimentation and misdemeanor and other problems that is natural within their age. At this age they really need guidance and path ways to lead them the right way, the worst thing that may happen to a child is when they perceive to dedicate their mind in idolizing things that they can see in their surroundings, peers, television, cartoons and computer games that they may think it is right.


      Still, the best methods for disciplining a child is in the bible as written in (Proverbs 22:10) to “train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it” teaching the child in biblical principles and in the context of the bible is the best practice that their parents can give, but the best practice is still the manifestation of the parent’s teaching through their lives if the parents can walk their talk that they taught to their children they will believe them. Sometimes the teaching of their parents that is not manifested in their life is simply not convincing or even believed to be a falsehood in the mind of a child. It is the parents or guardian who has the best authority to teach them.


      Generally here are some of the most highly used disciplinary methods of discipline techniques that have been found to be effective and can be use universally;


·         State a firm boundaries, rules and regulations that the child needs to follow, example: Watching television is alright but it should be only limited to a certain time, homework should be done before playing, clean up their belongings before leaving. And many other simple but firm authorized rules that they can understand that becomes their habit.


·         Speak calmly about instruction but precise and with authorities. Children should follow the words given with respect since children also needs respect like we do. A harsh word may challenge a child, and they may react aggressively but a calm word softens them. Create a good communication methods so that is can deliver them to openness rather than hostility and argument. Children must learn how to speak their problems to their parents rather than keep it with themselves that they will seek the attention of others and transfer their feelings slowly to anger with their family. 


·         Remember to give them rewards for their good action but do not compromise. Example: James, I will only buy you a bike if you get good grade next semester, said his father. But it should not be the case if he does not get good grade he will be sorry for himself not doing what they want. A child may also think that he is only good if he does what pleases them. The real love of a parent should be unconditional; if they have done their best, parents can give those rewards without conditions or promises.   


·         Teach them the benefits and the consequences of their own action. What will happen if you done this or that? This will help them to make good decision making until they grow up and they will also teach them responsibility. Example: we are going to give you your allowance for the whole week since we are out of town, but if the child has used all his money for only 3 days there will be none left until he learns to budget and be wise in his decisions.


·         Teach them responsibility by giving them assigned task during Sunday or simple household chores function such as washing the dishes, helping the laundry, cleaning backyard etc. If possible engage them in your own business such things that they can do like cleaning or simple selling and serving. This will teach them to become industrious and enterprising individual.        


·         Lastly, take time to be with your children it is the best gift the parents can give to their children and enjoy the fondness of the memories together, a long lasting experiences and enjoyment that you can give. Take time to play baseball or watch TV together or play on the backyard. Giving time to spend with your children makes them feel that they are loved, it will give them a sense of pride and worthiness and they will love you back in return, this will be their foundation in their life until they grow old.



Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com


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