Disciplining children is an art!

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“I know everything!”

This was what a 10 year old child told me when he stepped into my class more than a year ago. I was taken aback when he claimed he knew EVERYTHING in a rather smirk attitude.  His father who brought him to the class seemed very nice & humble.  The child tried reading his own book during class which of course, I didn’t allow.



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I have come to realize that disciplining children is really an art!  You need to manage their emotions, instill the right values and involve some play with psychology.  You also need to be creative when putting the message across such as play with words or find activities that will instill the value you want to teach.  If you are a parent, you must be recalling what are the words spoken or activities done with your children to send your message across.  I have heard the following advises numerous times:

1)      As parents, we have to set a good example. 

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2)      Parents must discipline the child when they make a mistake as the child’s action reflects his upbringing.

3)      Spare the rod, spoil the child!

The truth is CONSISTENCY!  Talk to the child when you are driving, when watching tv, when you come across an incident in the mall or in the restaurant.  Small actions or questions from the child can lead to a discussion and guiding them onto what is right and what is wrong.  You do not have to wait till a mistake is made before you discipline them!  Young children are at the age where they need to be guided to differentiate what is right and what is wrong.  The fact is, many of them will think that they know a lot of things already!

Start thinking about what kind of child you like yours to grow up to be.  Daily reminders and guidance will have to be based on the values you like to instill in them.  Being well mannered and appreciating others are attributes which will enable the child to make many friends and bring him far in life!

About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.  She is also Mrs Singapore Queen of Hope 2012, Mrs Asia International All Nations 2012 and Mrs Photogenic 2012 (Mrs Asia International).