Discipline

Are there any creative parents out there? Who have discovered some effective consequences that do not involve spanking? Seriously, once a child is past a certain age (like 2) spanking isn't really effective. Of course there should always be differing levels to consequences. Punishments should always begin with the least restrictive and increase in severity and restrictiveness as the negative behavior continues. The punishment should match the crime.  Determine the behaviors that you consider to be in the really bad category (physical aggression, spitting on another, harming another, etc.).  These would get no warning, but an immediate more restrictive consequence.  Don't forget you are the parent and you can add to that list and alter the rules as you need to.  Parents have complete veto power. Pay attention to your kids likes and dislikes as you decide appropriate consequences. As your kids get older the consequences should change. The punishment should match your child's personality also. Some kids are more sensitive and do not require high levels of consequences.  Some kids are more aggressive and oppositional, these children may not be swayed so easily.  These children require more creativity and likely support from others. I have seen a lot of parents get stuck when giving consequences.  The consequences don't match the child or the crime, all children and behaviors are dealt with the same.  This generally isn't effective for long and eventually behaviors may escalate.