The Value of Consistency and Immediacy
Another principle of disciplining is consistency. I've seen parents discipline their children only to see them get worse. And then they get scared thinking that disciplining will only make things worse. But you've got to remember that it is a game of the "wills;" yours and your child's. Our job as parents is to bring our children's wills into submission to our will, but without breaking their spirit. Conversely, let their wills run wild and you'll have many years of regret. Unbridled horses may seem beautiful running in the wild outdoors, but try riding one and expect only disaster. Unfortunately, it is easier to tame a wild horse then to manage an undisciplined child. Unless you want your child to roam free in the wilderness, where no rules and governance exist, then give up the consistent game plan.
Don't be fooled. Just because your child gets worse after the first five reprimands or disciplining, it doesn't mean it's not working. Remember the 'war of wills.' They'll usually put up a fight. But if you show them that you mean business and are not push-overs, they will eventually comply to your demands. Be consistent. Discipline until you see change. Remember! You're the boss. Children have short memories. They forget and move on. So your disciplining also must be repetitive and consistent. The moment you lack consistency, your child will sense it and know that you can be taken for a ride. Remember! Your children are very smart...just like you.
Consistency here also means, coherence. What daddy does, mommy must not undo. If daddy confiscates the PlayStation and hides it, mommy must not pretend she left the cupboard door open so that the little fella can see where daddy hid it.
Case-in-point: If only the human chest hurt immediately after a puff of cigarettes, most people would have given up smoking.
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