Why is my child so naughty? Disciplining the pre-school child We all know what an undisciplined child is like…the child you see in the supermarket whose behaviour provokes the thought “I’m glad its not my  child who is behaving like that”…so what do you do if it IS your child behaving like that!!? It is very difficult to talk about discipline in isolation from a particular situation. So I will give some basic guidelines that I trust you can implement in whatever situation and whatever age group you are dealing with. Be consistent in whatever you do. Give age appropriate limitations, rules etc. Give your children a good example to follow…this is how children learn. Give children a limited choice….i.e. you can have a biscuit or a cake …not both. Or you may choose between the  blue t-shirt and the red one….he may not turn out the whole wardrobe! Do not emotionally abuse your child…”I hate you when you do….” Rather say “ I do not like the way you are  behaving, you can go to your room until you can behave in an acceptable manner” Therefore you are explaining that you do not like the behaviour, not that you don’t like the child. Do not threaten a punishment that you cannot fulfill. Children learn to be disciplined through the example of those around them everyday. They feel secure in their  environment. Children who are told “no” must understand that Mom means “no”. this will only happen if Mom is consistent about fulfilling her promise. Once they know their boundaries, they will live happily within those boundaries,  however it is only human nature that each child as he matures will test those boundaries and any new significant person will be put to the test. Children need to have a positive self esteem and this grows through out positive reinforcement. Praise your child for the beautiful picture he made at school ( even if it looks like a scribble!). It's all HIS own work and he needs to know that you are proud of it! Children who are ignored, neglected (emotionally and otherwise) will seek the attention they need. If they are not noticed for themselves, they will behave in a manner unacceptable to get your negative attention. If they feel accepted and significant to someone  especially parent, teacher, nanny they will behave in an acceptable manner, because we all like to be liked! So if you find your child is pestering you look at your own response and see what you find, maybe if you change your attitude to your child, make him feel special for 5 minutes a day I’m sure you will see a change in his attitude.  Responsibility is a major part of discipline. Children need to learn to take responsibility from an early age, but they can only do this if they have an example to follow. Do you tidy up behind yourself? How can you expect your young child to tidy up his toys if he does not see you taking care of your belongings and participating in the big tidy up of his toys. Do the tasks together and not only can you turn chores into fun games but you are also teaching him about taking responsibility for his belongings, which in turn enable him to be able to be disciplined about his activities in the future and his ability to work alone. Email this article to a friend Back to Articles on Child Care...