There are many misconceptions about what is legally acceptable when it comes to disciplining a child. Some parents are unsure of how to discipline their child at all.
There are certain standards set by the Department of Children and Family Services that limit the types of discipline a parent can use. Some parents are not aware of these standards and can sometimes be placed in bad situations, but with the right guidance and information, your discipline practices can be more effective and legal.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children has some productive discipline tips that will help parents understand the development of the child and his or her behavior. Understanding a child's behavior is the key to good discipline because using ineffective discipline methods can discourage a child and the parent. According to DCFS standards, there are some unacceptable discipline methods parents might not fully understand.
The first is that discipline should be appropriate to the age of the child, related to the child's act and in proportion to the particular inappropriate behavior; discipline should be handled without prolonged delay. Disciplining a child when he or she comes back from an outing is particularly ineffective.
Another DCFS regulation is that no child shall be deprived of a meal or part of a meal as punishment. When parents send their child to bed and the child did not eat earlier, the child should not be deprived of a meal, even if the child had the opportunity and chose not to eat.
DCFS does advocate some acceptable discipline methods. Special or additional chores may be assigned, privileges may be temporarily removed as a disciplinary measure, and a child may be restricted to an unlocked bedroom for a reasonable period of time. While restricted, the child must have full access to sanitary facilities.
Parents should also know that spanking with the hand on the behind is the only acceptable physical discipline. There are alternative, more effective,discipline methods outside the DCFS guidelines. These methods include learning the different causes of the behavior. If the child is in a crowded or noisy area - for example, a store - then try to distract the child, and if the behavior is unacceptable then give a firm "no." Sometimes you should physically move your child when he is misbehaving, especially if he didn't respond to your firm "no."
Another effective method that more parents should use is time-out. Use time-out to remove positive reinforcement or attention when he misbehaves. Time-out should not be used for infants and toddlers and should not be longer than what it takes to calm a child down.
I hope the tips of this article will help parents with better discipline practices.
Watkins is a sophomore studying early education and special education.
