What Is Discipline?

• Discipline is the imposition of logical consequences for a child's actions, both good and bad. A logical consequence for not cleaning his room would be that he can't have anyone over until it's done. The consequence for completing the task would be getting to invite someone over to play.
  
  

Have Realistic Expectations

• Children aren't perfect, and they're supposed to make mistakes. Match your expectations to your child's age and abilities. It's reasonable to have to remind a five-year-old about his chores, but a teenager should be expected to keep track of them and complete them on his own.
  
  

Be Consistent

• Don't make threats. Tell your child what the consequence will be, and stick to it. Letting her talk you into changing your mind teaches her that you don't mean what you say and that she doesn't have to listen to you.
  
  

Allow Natural Consequences

• If your child leaves a toy outside and it gets ruined, don't replace it. Allowing your child to learn from the natural consequences of his actions is an important part of discipline.
  
  

Model Self-discipline

• If your child sees you accepting the consequences of your actions, it will reinforce the lessons you're teaching. For example, explain that you can't buy the DVD you've been wanting because you spent more than you should have on something else. This illustrates the point that everyone must discipline himself or deal with the consequences.