How do I discipline my child

I used to spank my child, but it does nothing. It scares her and hurts her and I never saw any real results with it. I take away her things and/or privaleges. If she doesn't cooperate and get in the bath tub then she doesn't get a story before bed kind of thing. If she doesn't try her dinner, then she doesn't eat the rest of the night. If she doesn't stop pulling the dogs tail then she gets her toys taken out of her room and a time out. I try not to scream as often as possible, as I found that didn't work either. I make sure I explain to Joslynn what rules she is breaking, etc and let her know that she's not getting this or that or has to go to her room because she did this and that. Today was the first time in about 3 weeks I've had to "threaten" by taking away stuff or put her in a time out at all. I'm really into watching Nanny 911 and Supernanny and although I don't try everything they mention - the biggest problem seems to be communication, and it doesn't matter how small they are. I do still kidn of think its ridiculous that us great Americans, the home of the free, aren't free to give our child a spanking now and then. But - as I said, I found that as long as my 3 1/2 year old daughter and I talk it out, most disputes can be avoided. I'm really proud of how well she works with me and her daddy!

Hello there. I have two year old son. He will be three in May 2010. I also have a fourteen year old son. I wish my toddler son to grow up as polite and sensible as my older son. Therefore I parent him in a firm but fair way. I have boundaries and give my son praise for doing the right thing. If he does the wrong thing I say 'no'. I do not hit him because I don't wish to teach him violence. Using a cane or a whip would be cruel. All children make mistakes and a nanny might use a time out system for the child to think about what they did wrong. She gives to give the children reward charts and get them to speak well. Love, care and guidance are what a child needs. I am a primary school teacher and a parent of three happy children. Good luck.

You just have to stick to the punishment that you instill and show him that your serious. Don't give in because this is the time when they are trying to see how far they can push before we give in. It seems kind of strange because they are so young but they are just learning right from wrong. I have not spanked my children but have stuck to the punishments. They are displined and listen well. I am not saying that they are angels but they no thier limits and follow 90 percent of the rules which as parents is all we can ask for. Don't worry the what they call the terrible twos doesn't last forever and I'm sure you will be fine without the cane/whip you just have to figure out what works with you and your son.

i have a 1 1/2 yr old daughter that is a spit fire if she doesn't get what she wants she will just scream and scream the biggest thing is not to give in and give it to them when they do this because then they will learn that if they scream enough they will get it. My son is 4 and we have had struggles with him also but we have found that he doesn't like being by himself so if he is doing something wrong or not listening he is sent to his room for 4 minutes his age. The biggest thing we learned is example we will ask him to pick up his toys and he says no I will give him a warning and say "you need to pick up your toys or you will have to go to your room for 4 minutes" if he still doesn't he goes to his room for 4 minutes but we don't pick up the toys for him when he is in the time out. When he is done with them time out I will tell him again you need to pick up your toys we will do this as many times as nesseccary until the toys are picked up by him. If you do it for him he will learn if I don't do it they will send me to my room and they will do it for me which isn't what you want either. My kids also don't get anything unless they say please and we always make them say thank you etc.. it is a lot of work as follow through is what makes it effective. But it is worth it to have respectful children.

Spank him with your hand. Only when necessary and only hard enough to get his attention! I only use this as a last measure when all others are exhausted. Repeat offenses or when he is putting himself (or others) in harm's way is when and only when one should be hit. Aren't you glad you don't get caned when you mess up? Case rested.