August 18, 2006

The New World of Children's Discipline
My five year old great granddaughter was staying at her grandmother’s when her parents telephoned to ask her if she wanted to return home for dinner. She answered “No”. They stated that they would be right over to pick her up. To that comment, she replied ”What part of ‘No’ don’t you understand?”

Today, children learn from TV how to handle difficult situations when a stranger may try to manipulate them into dangerous situations or experiences. Therefore, it is even more important that parents do not request behavior when there is no option available for the child. Parents need to make statements, “We are coming to pick you up in five minutes.” “It is bedtime.” “We are eating at 5 o'clock.” Such assertions, if countermanded by the child need assertive remarks such as, “We are your parents and you are the child. It is not a request, it is the law.“ ( I am basing this on the fact that 99% of the parents have the best interests of the child in mind. For the minor amount who abuse their children, nothing much can help,except hoping that the TV messages which the child obviously pays attention to, will also alert them to telling a teacher, policeman, or caring relative what they are experiencing so that CPS can aid them.)

Television whether we like it or not is teaching our children. Hopefully as parents you are monitoring the programs so that the youngsters get the best communication skills and education that can be provided for them. Parents need to know the improved methodologies from books such as “PET Parent Effectiveness Training” by Thomas Gordon. Go to your library, the internet, or your book store and discover effective ways to deal with your brilliant child. Otherwise, your role will be the child and your child will take over parenting. That spells disaster in most cases so get going!