Third, has your child matured or moved into a different phase of development since your last discipline strategy was developed? For example, when my son was three we suddenly discovered our traditional time-out method wasn't working. However with a slight modification (changing the location) we were back in business. As he grows older the time-out is now longer and often comes with built-in penalties for continued misbehavior. As your child grows and develops so does your discipline strategy. Perhaps you can simply modify the existing method or perhaps you need to come up with a whole new plan.

After reviewing your answers to these three key questions hopefully it is time to release your child from their time out and to talk things through. Ask your child what is going on? Ask your child what their punishment (if further punishment is needed) should be? Younger children won't always be able to express themselves fully but you may learn some surprising insights into your child's mind. Then follow through with what you have decided as a punishment and make sure your child understands that while you love them you will not tolerate the behavior you just punished.

Deanna Mascle shares more parenting advice with her blog Official Family at http://OfficialFamily.us

Article Source: Parenting Article Library