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From birth to age 3, a child needs to feel loved and securely attached to the parent. He must also be shown the proper way to behave because the language skills necessary for understanding through verbal explanation have not been sufficiently developed. Fortunately, a child learns how to behave through observation.

A parent leads by example and should keep in mind that a child imitates their behavior. Daily routines are absorbed by the child- how to eat, how to play, how to speak- learning is constant.

For child discipline to be effective the parent must be consistent in his actions. Straying from a chosen strategy only confuses the child and hampers growth. A child looks to the parent for guidance and approval. When your daughter does something you deem desirable, like going to the potty, she should be rewarded through displays of affection, compliments and appreciation. Positive feedback goes a long way in developing the child discipline that every parent desires.

When your son behaves in a negative manner, like hitting another child, the proper course of action is not to yell. Yelling sends your son the message that you have lost control of the situation. Instead, get down to his eye level and shake your head while repeating “NO” a few times in a clam but stern voice. After a few seconds look at your child to see if the disapproval has registered by observing a serious expression. Then give your child a hug and a smile and resume normal activity.

If your child continues the negative behavior just repeat the aforementioned steps. Do not make the mistake of “taking it to the next level” that will do more harm than good. Be consistent in your actions and persistent in your instructions. Parenting is very difficult and takes lots of patients- but it’s well worth the results.