How to Help
- Self discipline happens when a child CHOOSES to give up something they want for something they want more. They have to be able to change on their own.
- Help them learn reparations. This is when you ask them if there is something they can do to make the situation better. Let them think of this – if you hand them the answer they will most likely disagree (if they break something they need to help pay for a replacement – but again, let them come to this conclusion)
- Help them develop good judgement. Questions are the best way to do this. Here are some examples:
- “What were you wanting to have happen when you did this?”
- “Was there some part of you that said ‘Don’t do this’?”
- “How did that work out for you?”
- “How did it work out for other people involved?”
- “What else could you have done?”
- “Right, you could have done X…how do you think that would have worked out? What would have happened then?”
- Be kind, but FIRM. They will still try to test you. Stay positive and cheerful while still maintaining your boundaries