Disciplining middle graders can be difficult. They are not adults and they are not children.
Here are some strategies which may help:
*****BE CLEAR*****
Explain the rules and the consequences before your child breaks the rules so that he/she knows what is at risk. By explaining the rules and consequences before a bad decision is made, your child is making a choice. This system will also allow him to be in charge of his own behavior. At this age, students appreciate being given the opportunity to be in charge.
*****BE FAIR*****
Link the consequence to the behavior/action. For instance, if your child abuses his time on the family computer, he loses his privileges for a day. The punishment is correlated to the action.
*****BE DIRECT*****
Limit your comments to the specific situation occurring at the time. Try not to bring up previous things your child has done or label your child in a negative way ("lazy"). Being calm is also an important message to send. You are sending a message that you still love your middle schooler, no matter what.
The decisions you make as a parent today will effect your child's life for many, many years to come! Your child appreciates rules and boundaries and knowing consequences.
0 comments:
Post a Comment