In our dear country, Nigeria, physical punishment for children, especially flogging, has been a common practice for generations. Nowadays, mums would probably prefer not to beat their children.
With the growing awareness of the negative effects of physical punishment, many parents are looking for alternative ways to discipline their children.
Here in this article, we are going to give you tips on how to discipline your child or children without beating them. It works
1. Taking Away Privileges
One of the most effective ways to discipline a child is to take away their privileges. This can include taking away their phone, tablet, or other favourite toys.
By doing so, you are teaching your child that their actions have consequences and giving them time to reflect on what they’ve done.
2. Naughty Corner
The naughty corner is a popular discipline method where a child is made to sit or stand in a corner for a specified period.
This has proven to work for a lot of mums whose children throw tantrums.
This helps to calm the child down and reflect on their actions.
3. Hunger Strike (Withholding Meals As Punishment)
This is not so advisable, but withholding meals as punishment can be an effective way to discipline a child who wastes food, but it should be done for a short period and not used frequently.
This method should be used with caution and care.
4. Withdrawing Pocket Money
Withdrawing their pocket money is another effective way to discipline a child with money privilege, but it mismanages funds.
By doing so, you are teaching your child the value of money and the consequences of their actions.
5. Grounding
“You are grounded!” can send many children begging on their knees, pleading for freedom because children love freedom, especially when it will affect their favourite activity.
Grounding is a popular discipline method where a child is not allowed to leave the house or participate in their favourite activities.
This helps to teach the child that their actions have consequences too.
6. Part-Time Work To Earn Income
Assigning part-time work to your child can be an effective way to discipline them.
It can be a planned one with your neighbour who runs a restaurant or sells provisions in a large shop.
While it’s a discipline, it also enables the child to gain new experiences.
7. No Social Media
Taking away social media privileges can be an effective way to discipline a child, as a Nigerian mom.
An example is a child who loves to dance on TikTok or make excessive posts on Instagram at the detriment of their home chores.
By doing so, you are teaching your child that their actions have consequences and that they need to behave responsibly. You can deactivate the account temporarily.
8. Early Bedtime
Sending a child to bed early can also be an effective way to discipline.
Moreover, they need to get enough rest, so they’ll have to take a forceful sleep.
9. No TV Or Video Games
No TV or video game privileges can be an effective way to discipline your children.
Kids nowadays derive so much joy in playing games, so when you take away the privilege, it serves as a way of disciplining them.
You are teaching your child that their actions have consequences and that they need to find other ways to occupy themselves.
10. Assigning Extra Household Chores
This also works better. Assigning extra household chores can be an effective way to discipline a child.
It serves as a way of engaging them more in something that is discomforting for them. Hence, a good punishment.
11. No Playing With Friends
Not allowing a child to play with their friends can also be an effective way to discipline them. You are teaching your child that their actions have consequences and that they need to behave responsibly, too.
12. Losing Access to Favourite Toys or Games
We’ve said this earlier. It is just like taking away the things that they are fond of, e.g. toys.
Taking away a child’s favourite toys or games can be an effective way to discipline them.
13. Physical Discipline
Some moms use physical discipline alternatives such as:
- Kneeling for a long time
- Standing in a corner
- Holding hands up for a long time
- Doing squats or jumping jacks as punishment
- Running around the compound
- Carrying a heavy object for a short period
These methods can be effective in teaching children discipline and responsibility.
14. Writing Lines Or Essays As Reflection
Assigning a child to write lines or essays as a reflection can be an effective way to discipline them. E.g. “I promise not to fight my sinking again” 500 times.
Also Read: How To Discipline Toddlers
You are teaching your child to think about their actions and reflect on their behaviour by doing so.
15. Helping With Cooking Or Cleaning As Punishment
Remember, the goal of discipline is to teach your child right from wrong and help them become a responsible and productive member of society.
Therefore, you need not overdo them.
So know when to draw the boundary and step back, or when to change your discipline method so that they don’t get used to one particular type of punishment.
In conclusion, disciplining a child without beating requires creativity and patience.
For more resources on parenting visit @fabmumng
