Why do children want to grow up? Because they experience their lives as constrained by immaturity and perceive adulthood as a condition of greater freedom and opportunity. But what is there today, in America, that very poor and very rich adolescents want to do but cannot do? Not much: they can "do" drugs, "have" sex, "make" babies, and "get" money (from their parents, crime, or the State). For such adolescents, adulthood becomes synonymous with responsibility rather than liberty. Is it any surprise that they remain adolescents? Thomas Szasz
Clear Expectations Make Discipline Easier



Sometimes it can be very challenging to communicate anything with your child. Setting clear expectations regarding what's acceptable behavior and what isn't imperative to successfully teaching your child right from wrong. If the parameters are muddled or the child learns that in one situation the rules hold true yet in another situation the same rule does not, it makes for confusion and frustration on both sides.


Sit down with your child well in advance and line out the expectations and consequences of misbehaving or a misdeed. Make it clear that in no uncertain terms is there any room for negotiation at the time of the infraction, and that should such a behavior occur you intend to be firm in your discipline. Rules regarding your child's safety, health or well-being should have no room for negotiation when being set or enforced. Other rules can be openly and honestly discussed with your child and an agreed upon action should be forged that both parents and child can agree upon. If necessary, make a contract between parent and child. Lay it all out in black and white, in language your child can clearly understand. For younger children, you might want to develop a good behavior chart within the contract, and for each week that goes by without any infractions being noted, a favorite or special activity might be earned. The connection between good deeds and special time with mom and/or dad might be just the currency they understand.


But all children need to understand that disciplining them is your way of teaching them what's acceptable behavior and what isn't. It may seem as though children fight rules and regulations, but they truly know that such parameters are meant for their well-being, health, safety, and enable them to grow into a mature person capable of making wise decisions.

Spiritual Parenting

Be concise and consistent when discussing these consequences so that when the time to implement them comes, you can follow through with ease.

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Also, never issue empty threats.
Be exact, and state precisely what action, behavior or trait you find praiseworthy. Avoid extra errands when the kids are hungry. Perhaps breaking study time up into smaller increments would work better for your child than one solid period. Explain to your toddler that going potty is a normal process of life and everyone does it, even animals.

It gives a child an opportunity to express themselves, and it allows them to discover themselves and build self-esteem.
Children should be respectful of their parent's authority. Make the ground rules crystal clear to your child. The first three years of life are critical in a number of ways. Maybe it isn't. They may also exhibit delays in their social, physical, academic or emotional development. It can be very curative and demonstrate you where your troubles lie are and inspire you to fix them.