Disciplining children

Obviously, over here spankings or any type of physical disciplining are not allowed. Bassam's teacher has a difficult time with him at times and the only thing she can do is send him to the principal's office (fortunately he has only been there once). When they go into first grade on up the form of discipline is "ticket-writing". Kind of like traffic violations. At the end of the month, the one with no tickets gets a reward and possibly recognition. Boy, when I went to school I was very respectful of my teachers and any scolding, no matter how trivial, would make me feel so shamed that, in most cases, I would never repeat the offense again. I guess nowadays kids don't have that fear and respect toward teachers and others like them. I wonder if it is the same in Japan. I also like the idea of uniforms for all. May not eliminate "cliques" but at least there'd be no judging amongst themselves due to clothing brands.

It depends on the childs age and awareness level. For me I have a 2 year old and the way I discipline him changes as he gets older. At first I would use a particular tone of voice, then as he became more aware of what he was doing he would get a little tap on the back of his leg (about 18 months) and the firm tone of voice. Now that he is 2 I use the naughty matt, which works very well and of course the tone of voice is firm. Whenever I have disciplined him I have always explained why he is getting into trouble not that he understood when he was younger, it was more for me to make a habit of explaining right and wrong to him. So that when he gets into trouble as his understanding grows, that I don't forget to tell him why he is in trouble. The one thing that I focuss on the most is praise. When he does something right I tell him he is a good boy. It reaffirms good behaviour. By putting him on the naught matt he learns that he isn't going to get my attention when he is naughty, but he will get me attention if he behaves well. Of course kids always want your attention, so if he gets it when he's being good, he has my attention more often.

Depend on your definition of discipline Bourderhouse! I try hard to instill manners and values into my children and they have learnt that there are consequences to their actions, no pocket money, no tv, grounding and thier least favourite no computer - at the same time if their behaviour is good they are rewarded in small ways and I always thank them for behaving well! Is this what you meant - or have I gone totally off track?