Video:How to Discipline a 5-Year-Old
with Angela MorganDisciplining a 5-year-old effectively can be difficult, especially when he or she is crying or throwing a noisy tantrum. Here are some tips on how to discipline a 5-year-old so that your child learns from his or her mistakes.See Transcript
Transcript:How to Discipline a 5-Year-Old
Hi, this is Angela with About.com, and here are some tips on disciplining a 5-year-old.You may begin to notice some changes in your 5-year-old child. Here are some of the things to expect. She might begin talking back. She might start having tantrums or lying. All of these things can be normal when raising a 5-year-old.
Set Firm Rules When You Discipline a 5-Year-Old
When your child starts to develop these habits, here are some tips on disciplining her. Setting a good example is the best teacher for young children. The child needs to know the rules and the rules should not change at the whim of the parents' mood or stress level.Avoid Abuse or Hostility When You Discipline a 5-Year-Old
The word discipline is rooted in the word "disciple," which means to be properly taught, not properly beaten, belted, restrained or reprimanded. When hostility and abuse are used against children, they will learn that hostility and abuse is the way to get what they want.A parent must be firm and model, "I mean what I say and say what I mean." A wishy-washy approach does not work. First and foremost, you must be consistent. Don't expect her to learn the first time or even the tenth time. The only way the child will learn is if you are constantly reminding her in a gentle and firm voice.
Reward Children for Good Behavior When You Discipline a 5-Year-Old
Direct small children by telling them what you want them to do, not what you do not want them to do. When you talk in terms of good and bad, be sure these words are describing behaviors, not people. If she does something wrong tell her the right way, and reward her when she does it right.Children should always be disciplined with a tone of love, not fear. Usually, if a child starts a tantrum it's mostly caused by tiredness. Lay her down and let her take a nap, you will find once she's taken a nap she will be back to her loving 5-year-old ways.
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