Creative Discipline

There are times when you have to think out of the box when doling out punishments with your kids. As you know, not all kids respond to the same things.


Case in point: I knew a certain 8 yr old that was familiar with being sent to her room when she acted up against her little brother. This had become so common (and she had apparently weighed the pros and cons many times) that she wouldn’t even hesitate, she’d just pop him one and head off to her room.

Obviously, this punishment didn’t serve to curb the behavior and Mom had to come up with something more effective. All children are different and sometimes you have to get ‘em where it hurts; what’s most important to them.

Seems cruel though, when you have to take away the birthday party they were to attend next weekend when they’ve been waiting weeks and all their friends are going. Maybe that is a bit stiff for saying a bad word or talking back….BUT maybe it’s about right for heavier infractions like lying or physically hurting other children.

This Mom has decided her creative punishment is a bad attitude jar. http://tinyurl.com/7bp88ay


I’ve known parents that actually ask their child what the punishment should be for what they’ve done…..amazingly enough, most times the kids are actually harder on themselves. Whatever you do, don’t say things like,” You’re never going to the movies again!” or “I’m not making you dinner anymore if you’re not going to eat it!” in the heat of the moment. It’s obviously something you can’t uphold.

Think it through at a time when you’re not mad. What would “speak” to your child most effectively? You know them best after all, so what punishments work for your kids?  -- Donna *WCB