When you and I were children, punishments were very different than those we implement on our children today.
Most parents used physical punishment, which was the norm. However, fortunately, those kinds of punishments are now seen as barbaric and primitive, and most parents do not use them.
But we sometimes are not sure how to punish our children so they can learn lessons and behave properly.
This, of course, depends on the child’s age and their personality.
Behavior Around Infants
Babies are learning about the world around them so try to make it a pleasant experience.
They need to learn about the importance of security, routines, and what feels right or wrong.
Try not to use bad words around babies who are learning to talk, as this will prevent future need for correction and punishment.
Also, use childproof stuff so they can enjoy their time while exploring everything.
It is okay to let them get dirty and be curious – just pay attention to where the boundaries are.
Behavior Around Toddlers
Toddlers are known for tantrums and trying to test parents’ limits.
You may find them more curious and more talkative, so you might think that they will understand everything you tell them.
This is not true, as they are still learning about the world, and adult language does not resonate with them.
You need to set boundaries and routines. If they throw tantrums, it is best to stay calm and show them the consequences of bad behavior.
For example, you can extend bedtime or not buy them things they want.
Modern Punishments For Kids
Here are some modern punishments that work on kids who are older and who understand what you tell them, but still do not want to comply.
1. Early Bedtimes
As a child, you are full of energy and you could be playing with your friends and siblings all night.
However, establishing a certain bedtime can be hard at first, but children usually get used to it.
Well, when they act badly or disrespect others, early bedtimes can be a form of punishment that they will try to avoid.
They love spending time outside, so this will steal some of that time from them and let them reconsider their actions.
2. Chores
When you want your children to know that they have made a mistake, you can introduce chores that are not the usual ones they do.
Try to make them learn that they have to be helpful either way, but chores that are a bit more difficult will challenge them and they will understand that there are bigger things than the problems they have.
3. Timeouts
Timeouts are a wonderful way of punishing young children for their bad behavior. They will understand how precious the time they spend with their friends is and try to not do it again.
Also, while they are staring at the corner of their room, they may think about their behavior and reconsider how they approach certain issues next time.
It is important to explain to them that this is the reason why they are in a timeout, not because you want to make them feel sad.
4. Reconsidering Privileges
Privileges our children have are usually taken for granted. Our children enjoy candies, video games, playing outside, and having access to tablets or phones.
However, when they behave badly, they forget that they can lose access to these privileges.
If you want them to reconsider their actions, you can take away their tablets or candies for a while and teach them how every action has consequences.
Also, if you like this philosophy then you should also award them when they do good things.
5. Grounding
Some parents love grounding as it is similar to the timeout, only on a bigger scale.
It also lets children reconsider their future actions and makes them think about what they did.
They soon start to miss their friends and their privileges and they may not want to repeat the same mistake again.
Conclusion
All children are different and what may work on one, may not work on another.
However, modern punishments are challenging our children to think about their actions and to always know that their actions have consequences.
Always try to explain to your children why you are doing things that you are doing, so they know it is them who are responsible for their behavior.