Practicing consistent, positive discipline is one of the most important ways you can support your child’s healthy development. The goal of positive discipline is to guide your child to behave in socially acceptable ways. Positive discipline is crucial because it promotes your child’s self-control, teaches him to take responsibility for his actions, and helps him make thoughtful choices about how he treats himself and others.

You can guide your child in many ways. You can model good behavior, encourage and support good behavior, and set consistent limits. As a parent, you model appropriate behavior in the way that you talk to and treat your child.

It’s also important to know how much you can expect from your child. Sometimes adult expectations exceed a child’s capability. Thus, the more you know about children’s developmental milestones, the better you’ll be able to guide your child successfully through life.

Positive Discipline and Temperament

Understanding your child’s temperament (individual differences in emotional and behavioral processes, which emerge early in development) is an essential part of creating a strong parent-child bond. It is also a key indicator of how your child will respond to your guidance and the types of discipline that will be most effective for him. Observe your child’s behaviors, such as level of activity, emotional intensity, social habits, adaptability, and persistence. Then you can begin to anticipate which situations may be easy or more difficult.

Children typically have one of these types of temperament:

Easy or flexible: These children are generally calm, happy, and adaptable. They tend to have regular sleeping and eating habits. A child with this type of temperament may not feel the need to talk about emotions often, so parents should set aside time to do this daily.

Difficult, active, or feisty: These children are often fussy, high-strung, and intense. They have irregular sleeping and eating habits, are fearful of new people and situations, and are easily upset by noise and commotion. Parents should have a play area where these children can get out their stored up energy and frustrations.

Slow to warm up or cautious: These children are typically inactive and fussy, and tend to withdraw or to react negatively to new situations. Their reactions, though, gradually become more positive with continuous exposure. Stick with a consistent routine along with giving your child ample time to become comfortable with new situations.

Once your child’s temperament is understood, it is important for you to be in tune with your own. Sometimes situations may arise when your child’s and your temperaments clash. Try to organize the environment so that “goodness of fit” happens when you set your child up for success by organizing the environment to fit his temperament. To achieve a good fit between you and your child, it is important to:

• Be aware of your child’s temperament and respect his or her uniqueness.
• Communicate with your child by making points clear and simple.
• Listen to your child; hear his or her point of view.
• Set limits to help your child develop self-control.
• Be a good role model.

Positive Discipline and Atypical Child Development

Some children need extra support and guidance from their caregivers. Like children who are developing typically, children with special needs require guidance that is positive and respectful. Keep in mind that it may take time to understand your child’s unique needs with regard to discipline. With time and patience, you’ll begin to understand how to set boundaries for and support the needs of your child.

Children with Down syndrome: Some children with Down syndrome tend to have short attention spans and are easily distracted. They may also have trouble with hearing or speech. These all can affect their behavior. Using positive reinforcement and modeling appropriate interactions are helpful methods to use. This is because children with Down syndrome seek out praise and encouragement from adults.

Children with autism: Children with autism may struggle with social interactions. For example, they may be uncomfortable with physical contact, fear change, avoid eye contact, and have delays in language and communication skills. Make sure your child is aware of any changes that may occur during the day and talk through the fears your child may have. Being a positive and flexible parent will help both you and your child.

Children with aggression: Children with anger and aggression may tend to be easily frustrated, destructive, or explosive. They may scream a lot, have quick changes in moods, and demand attention. If you see these behaviors in your child, you may want to consult with your family doctor. It is important for you to make it clear that hitting, kicking, and pushing will not be tolerated. Non-hurtful discipline, such as using time-outs, is considered by many to be effective. Keep time-outs short and be positive when they are over. Make sure to praise your child when he or she maintains control.

Positive Discipline and Parenting Styles

People use or adapt to various parenting styles. It is common to fall in the middle, showing aspects of more than one style. You may also find yourself changing styles, depending on the experience, age, and maturity of your child. It is important to keep in mind that a positive and respectful approach can help you both.

The major parenting styles fall into four groups:

• Authoritarian
• Neglectful
• Permissive
• Authoritative-democratic

Positive discipline is most compatible with an authoritative-democratic parenting style.

Authoritarian parenting style: If you use this style, you value obedience, may use physical punishment, and usually don’t allow freedoms or choices. Children of authoritarian parents may become followers and dependent on others to make decisions. They may also develop a sense of low self-esteem and may become aggressive or defiant.

Neglectful parenting style: With this style, parental involvement is limited and tends to reject or ignore the child. Children with neglectful parents may face many challenges, including difficulties with skill development, trust, and self-esteem.

Permissive parenting style: Do you frequently give in to you child’s demands, set very few rules and guidelines, provide little structure, and establish limits but do not enforce them? Children parented with this style may have low self-control and little ability to handle frustration. They may also have slow growth in maturity and have difficulty with responsibility. It is important to remember that children do not need or want freedom without limitations.

Authoritative-democratic parenting style: Parents with this style help their children learn to be responsible for themselves and to think about the consequences of their behavior. With this style, you tend to provide clear, reasonable expectations and check to make sure your child follows through. This parenting style focuses on positive encouragement and appropriate expectations for the child.

References:

Lerner, C. & Dombro, A.L. (2000). Learning & Growing Together: Understanding Your Child’s Development. Washington, D.C.: ZERO TO THREE

Nelson, J., Erwin, C. & Duffy, R. (2007). Positive Discipline: The First Three Years. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press.