For many parents, spanking can feel like the fastest and most effective way to change a child’s behavior. And it often works in the short-term. But, studies show corporal punishment has long-term consequences for kids. If you’re looking for alternative to spanking, here are eight ways to discipline your child without using physical punishment. But in order for a time-out to be effective, kids need to have plenty of positive time-in with their parents. Then, when they’re removed from a situation, they will begin to learn to self-regulate, appropriately express their emotions, and make different choices in the future. Make it clear when the privileges can be earned back. Usually, 24 hours is long enough to teach your child to learn from their mistake. So you might say, “You’ve lost TV for the rest of the day, but you can earn it back tomorrow by picking up your toys the first time I ask.” When your child tries to get attention by whining or complaining, don’t give it to them. Look the other way, pretend you can’t hear them and don’t respond. Then, when they ask nicely or behave, return your attention to them. Over time, they will learn that polite behavior is the best way to get their needs met. Kids benefit from learning how to problem-solve, manage their emotions and compromise. When parents teach these skills, it can greatly reduce behavior problems. Use discipline that is aimed at teaching, not punishing. For example, if your child doesn’t eat their dinner, don’t let them have a bedtime snack. Or if they refuse to pick up their trucks, don’t allow them to play with them for the rest of the day. Linking the consequence directly to the behavior problem helps kids see that their choices have direct consequences. Providing an incentive to behave can turn around misbehavior fast. Rewards help kids to focus on what they need to do to earn privileges, rather than emphasize the bad behavior they’re supposed to avoid. When there are several children in the room, give the most attention and praise to the children who are following the rules and behaving well. Then, when the other child begins to behave, give them praise and attention as well.
