Discipline Step 1: Define the Rules
The first step of establishing discipline is to write and explain the rules for house and school. Choose those
that are most important and keep the wording short. Laminate and post them prominently.
The following is one of our house lists:
- No running in the house
- Use inside voices in the house
- Come when you are called or explain why you will be delayed
- No hitting
- Call Dad
/Mom if you can't handle a situation
- No back talk or bad language
- No name-calling
- Do chores as soon as you are asked
- Pick up after yourself
- Don't interrupt
This list was one for school:
- Be on time
- Ask for permission to take a break
- Move in a timely manner...if you need to use the bathroom, fine, but don't disappear for a long time
- Don't interrupt Mom if she is helping another student
- If you don't know what to do next and Mom is occupied with another child, start another subject, do homework, read a book, etc.
- Talk about school work only during school hours
- If you don't understand something, ask for help...don't just
hand it in half-finished
Read the rules regularly, at least at the beginning of each semester. We all need to be reminded of expectations. Then make the connection between behavior and consequences (step II). Be sure the results of disobedience are clear in your own mind and that of your child. Remember, our goal is to shape the will, yet protect the spirit, as Dr. James Dobson puts it.
Clear and firm
Strong yet understanding
Authoritative but compassionate
You get the picture!
See Discipline Part II
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