Do you know that there is a difference between disciplining your child and punishing them?  When you discipline your child you are trying to teach ways of changing behaviors.  Punishment is punitive.  Learn simple ways to remember to discipline your child and not punish them.  You want your child to learn to change the negative behavior, right?  Of course, and the way we need to do this is through teaching also called disciplining.  First and foremost, we need to be sure we are role modeling positive behavior for our children. We know that children “learn what they live."  It is important that we:

• Get down on their level and talk to them about what behavior was wrong.  
• Look your child in the eye.
• Use a clear, firm voice but do not yell or scream.  (It is not necessary and only increases your blood pressure.)
• Be consistent.
• Say what you mean and mean what you say. If you cannot follow through on a consequence then do NOT even say it. Children learn quickly if you don’t follow through on what you say. 
• Try not to “set your child up” for failure. Try to eliminate items that can be broken or damaged or that are dangerous. 
• Tell your child what they can do before you have to tell them what not to do. (It makes life easier for both of you.)