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An Overview Of The Three Types Of Child Discipline Methodologies

Every child has different needs, and any of the three types of child discipline styles discussed here can work on them ...

Child Discipline Methodologies

As a parent, it is very important to distinguish between discipline and punishment.

Punishment is a type of discipline that involves setting the unpleasant consequences on past behavior of the child.

Most common forms of punishment are spanking, hitting and abusing.

There are however positive discipline techniques to teach confidence and self-control to children.

The focus of such techniques is on teaching children the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behavior, and it helps them learn to take the responsibility for their own behavior and actions.

Three Types Of Child Discipline Techniques

Authoritarian is one of the three types of child discipline styles, where child is required to follow the set rules and regulations without asking any questions. The parent, or any other adult living with the family furnishes the discipline. The child is expected to accept and follow all the rules unquestioningly, and there is little or no explanation provided.

Parents try to avoid the rewards for good behavior as they feel that it may spoil the child, and total emphasis is on punishing the child for misbehaving. Adults do not make any attempt to understand the reason for negative behavior from child, or to know if it was intentional. This makes child obedient out of habit and fear, and not due to understanding the consequences of the behavior. It may lead the child to become submissive and dependent on others, and sometimes, rebellious.

Permissive is also one of the three types of child discipline styles, and it gives full freedom to the child. The discipline is furnished by the child, and no control is given. There are hardly any rules, guidance or explanations given. The child only gets motivation and satisfaction from the approval given by the society for good behavior. This can make child aggressive, confused, independent, lawless and self-centered.

Democratic is also one of the three types of child discipline styles, which emphasizes on control from within the child as the final outcome. Parents, or other adults living in the family, or the child provide the disciplinary guidelines from within. This methodology works by explaining the rules, and being persistent till the child learns to obey and follow them.

Appropriate behavior is always rewarded with praise, and child has clear understanding of what is expected of him. This style is mainly used to deal with intentional misbehavior, and before giving any kind of punishment, the child is always asked the reason for the misbehavior. Corporal punishment is used as the last resort and is not used frequently. This technique teaches the child to learn to work with others, and respect their ideas and feelings.

Every child has different needs, and any of the three types of child discipline styles can work on them. It is however advisable to follow the democratic style, which can have positive impact on the child in the long run.

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