Part 2: Alternatives to Nagging, Yelling, and Spanking

More tips from the book "Discipline: 101 Alternatives to Nagging, Yelling, and Spanking" by Dr. Alvin Price and Jay A. Parry.  All of the tips are very useful,  but I particularly like and need to remind myself of tip number's 40, 46, 55, 56, and 58. 
 
36. Sometimes situations get out of control.  When that happens, help the children slow down―or separate them fore a few minutes.

37. Television can help children stay out trouble―but parents are wise to monitor both the quantity and the quality of show children watch.
38. Building a child’s self-esteem will eliminate a great number of discipline problems.  Self esteem can be built as you share the power in making decisions…
39. …Separate the child from his acts.  When he misbehaves, you can tell him you’re displeased with what he’s done―but don’t express displeasure at who he is…
40. …Help your child to have self-control.  That will help him feel better about himself…
41. …Let your child have his own private space.  That will help him feel important…
42. …Let each of your children be unique individuals, unique from each other…
43. …Let your child grow at his own rate, rather at the rate you wish he’d grow at…
44. …Show your child you trust him…
45. …Help your child be a friend to others.  Those who are loved feel more lovable…
46. …Help your child learn to solve her own problems…
47. …Avoid negative labels in referring to your child…
48. …When you talk to your child, give him your undivided attention.  And talk with him often…
49. …When your child is having a problem, don’t preach. Instead share a feeling of empathy…
50. …If you give the child a responsibility, let him choose how he wants to do it.  And don’t do it over for him―that will only damage his feelings of self-worth…
51. …Help your child have success experiences…
52. …Never withhold love as a means of punishment. In fact, after you punish, show even more love and affection than usual…
53. …Stimulate your child’s intellect so he’ll do well in school.  Performance in school has a great impact on self-esteem...
54. …Build your own self-esteem, so the child will have a good model to follow…
55. …Treat your child with politeness and consideration.  That will let him know he’s worth something…
56. …Have well-established family rules and make sure the child understands them…
57. …Avoid putting your child down, no matter what his behavior…
58. …Let your child grow creatively.  Watch for things the child does well at and let him develop in that area…
59. …Admit it when you make a mistake.  This teaches the child that mistakes are a part of life, and that a person isn’t of less worth simply because he’s made a mistake…
60. …Show lots of physical affection…
61.  …Do things with your child on a regular basis…
62. …Be interested in the things the child is interested in…
63. …When you must discipline your child, do it with respect.  Don’t demean or ridicule the child in your discipline…
64. …Give your child challenges that will help him develop his abilities and prove to himself that he’s a capable person…
65. …Let your child “own” his feelings, and allow him to express those feelings in acceptable ways…
66. …Give praise when your child does well…
67. …Avoid power struggles, which place emphasis on power rather than on human feelings…
68. …Have reasonable expectations of your child.  If you expect too much, he’ll constantly fail, which is damaging to self-esteem. 
69. Having one-on-one communication between parent and child eliminates a lot of discipline problems.  It forms good relationships; and good relationships are a great preventative when it comes to misbehavior.