It is strongly recommended, however, that you use punishment sparingly. It does encourage the child to refrain from certain behaviors, but your real task as a parent is to teach the child to be a person. By using the more positive methods described earlier, you can teach the child positive ways of behaving. Effective punishment relies on withholding rewards or privileges and provides a clear-cut method of earning them back. Then punishment should follow immediately after the offense so that the child understands the association between the misbehavior and the punishment.
Hatred builds quickly when punishment hurts the child physically.
Realistically, however, because some physical punishment is likely, care should be taken that it is neither severe nor prolonged. Physical punishment can be harmful to a child and does not accomplish the goal. Besides, no parents want their children to fear them. Return to top of page Don't Give Up Consistency will determine the success of whatever discipline methods you use. Each time you ask your children to do something, you also have a job.