This document provides 8 steps for positive discipline with children: 1) Model desired behaviors, 2) Establish rules and logical consequences, 3) Set limits and follow through, 4) Be consistent in enforcing consequences, 5) Give children choices when possible, 6) Use a timer to gamify chores, 7) Implement behavior charts with stickers to reward positive actions, 8) Answer any questions. The overall message is that discipline works best when it is positive, consistent, and involves setting clear expectations and consequences.

1. P o s i t i v e
Discipline
8 Steps to a
Happy Family!

2. Expect It…….Teach It
• We must model the behaviors we expect
from our children.
• In reality, they watch and learn from us.
– Talk to your children at their level, eye to eye.
– Stop what you are doing to completely listen
when your child is telling you something that
is important to them. We expect them to stop
and listen, why shouldn’t we?

3. Rules and Consequences
• Children should have certain expectations at
home just as they do at school.
– When a child is taught a rule at home he/she
should know what the consequences will be if that
rule is broken.
– If needed, post the rules and consequences
somewhere you child will see them.
• Example: “Johnny, you are not suppose to leave your
dirty clothes on the bathroom floor. You know they
must be put in the laundry basket. If not, they will not
get washed for you to wear. You will need to wash them
your self.”

4. Logical Consequences
• Your child needs logical consequences
when they break a rule.
• The consequences need to be age and
developmentally appropriate for the child.
• The consequence should fit the mistake.
– Example: If Johnny is only 3, he does not
need to be washing his own clothes. This is
our job as parents.

5. Set Limits
• Don’t threaten to do something that you
are not willing to follow through on.
• In the heat of the moment, it is very easy
to say something that we do not really
mean.
– Example: “I can’t believe you didn’t pass your
math test! You are grounded for two
months!”

6. Be Consistent
• Children are a lot smarter than we
sometimes believe. If we say we are going
to give them a consequence but never
follow through with or only give it
sometimes, the child will not think we are
serious.
• We should give a consequence for
misbehavior each time to reduce the
incidence of that behavior.

7. Choices
• Children LOVE choices!
• This is a very effective tool when it comes
to getting your child to do something you
want them to do.
– Example: “Sally, you need to clean your room.
You can do it now or after you finish
breakfast.”

8. Timer
• Many times we find that younger children are
much more interested in doing chores,
homework, etc. if they think it is a game.
• Set a timer and tell the child, “Let’s see if you
can beat the timer!” Make this a positive, fun
experience.
• You could be the timer also. “I will go make
my bed while you make yours. Let’s see who
can do it the fastest! On your mark, get set,
go!”

9. Behavior Chart
• Positive Behavior Charts are tried and true tools
that teachers use in their classrooms to reinforce
positive behavior while decreasing negative
behavior.
• Place a behavior chart on the refrigerator,
bathroom mirror, or the child’s bedroom door.
Each time your child exhibits a behavior that is
pleasing to you, give him/her a sticker.
• IMPORTANT: Discuss ahead of time with your
child what reward they would like to receive once
they have earned a certain number of stickers.

10. Any questions?