"Alternatives to Punishment when it comes to disciplining your child

and 2 definite techniques that work"

Please listen to the radio show online for examples of the information below.

Alternatives to punishment that can be used on the spot:

7 things you can do differently

• Point out a way to be helpful
• Express strong disapproval
• Give a choice
• Take action
• Let him/her experience the consequence
• State your expectations
• Make amends

 *** Remember Change is not easy*** in marriage, in life, and with children

Draw with your children to help them express their feelings.

A great book for examples is“Windows to Our Children” by Dr. Violet Oaklander

You can use crayons, paints, markers, play dough for some things, and colored pencils

Examples:

• Draw a picture of things that make you smile
• Draw a picture of what's on your mind
• Mad /happy – What makes you mad/happy?
• Draw an outline of a body (parent can do this)
• Have them choose a color for anger and put it in parts of the body where they feel anger
• Sad
• Worried
• Happy
• Scared /fearful

For example if your child complains of stomach aches or headaches a lot, notice the feelings he/she put in this area.  Then next time they have a headache, this can help identify the feeling…then it can lead to another drawing – “Draw a picture of things you are “worried, sad, angry” about.

***When a child is able to think about their feelings and process them, this can be very therapeutic even if there is no immediate solution.