As parents, when we make a decision to change, we often want to have our new system perfectly in place immediately. Making core changes takes time. Work to develop other discipline techniques. It is important to remember that you can be clear, consistent and firm in your limit-setting with children without using punishment or spanking. Telling children what we want them to do rather than what we don't want them to do helps them get on the right track.
Children think that rules pop out of nowhere.
If you give them simple explanations about the limits you set, they can begin to learn how to make good decisions and rules for themselves. Most of the time children's misbehavior has a positive impulse behind it. If we take a minute, we might be able to help kids figure out a safe way to do what they want to do. By the time children are 3 or 4, they can often come up with alternatives of their own. Once you have stated a limit, given information and choices, you may still need to follow through.