5 Ways To Teach Discipline To Your Kids

Handling moody and sullen teenagers can be a nightmare for most parents. Tackling toddler tantrums may seem a cakewalk when compared to handling the dreaded mood-swings of adolescents at home. Therefore, the real test of a parent starts when their child turns a teenager.

Parents of teens are a nervous and confused lot. If you have a teen at home, you are probably walking around on eggshells, trying to figure out what will set your teen off, or how to implement that set of rules effectively yet tactfully. Read on to know how to discipline your teenager here.

* Be Respectful

Teens start perceiving themselves as equals in the adult world and reciprocate the treatment meted out to them. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to create a tone and an environment that is respectful to both of you.

* Make Your Expectations Clear

You cannot expect your teen to read your mind about what you like or dislike.Discuss what is important to you and your teen.Talk about certain family practices or traditions that have been there for some time and should be followed.Set realistic and practical expectations. Expecting your teen to be home each day in the evening to cook family meals is almost like daydreaming.

* Support Your Teen

One of the biggest things you can do for your teen is to be around. Your equation with your teen will improve overnight if he knows you are there for him no matter what. Every time your teen throws up a new challenge at you, take a deep breath.

* Make Your Teen Account For All Actions

Making your teen accountable for his actions does not mean punishing him when something goes wrong. Instead, you need to find a way that will help your teen understand and differentiate the right from the wrong for now.

* Help Your Teen Learn From Past Behavior And Mistakes

This again does not mean that you nag, shame or lecture your teen. Follow without fail the golden rule of discussion when handling an errant teen and keep in mind theses pointers,Ask questions instead of telling.Let your teen think over what happened and what may have gone wrong.Ask your teen to think of some alternative ways in which the situation could have been handled.