Children today somehow seem to need more discipline than what I needed when I was growing up. You can say that the children today are more independent and thus require more discipline skills. The main factor to have efficient discipline or to make sure your child follows your rules is maintaining consistency.

The first step to any form of discipline is to have both parents agree on a form of rules of discipline for the child. You don´t want mom making some rules and dad making some rules. This way the child manipulates the situation and goes to the parent that will most likely say yes. Here is a summary of some tips on discipline:

1. Both adults need to agree on some speicific rules for their children so that kids hear the same answer from both. Examples include: bedtime routine, play time, chocolate snacks, TV time etc. etc.

2. Whatever or however you child tries to convince you otherwise, stick to your decision.

3. Be fair while you make the rules. Don´t expect to use the same rules for your older child and your younger child. Each child needs to have set age expectations rules at home.

4. Rewards: If your child is being good and consistently following the rules, then you have give special treats of rewards for following a sensible routine. For example, take them to a movie, or buy them a toy.

5. Always try to reason and prove your point to the child so that they understand why you are making a rule, if you explain the benefits of a rule it is always better. For example, if you limit the time on TV, this will avoid a lot of strain on your child´s eyes and thus no risk of glasses.

6. Consistency is very, very important. If you make a rule that your child cannot eat candy before dinner, stick to it. Don´t give in and let them eat it one day because you are tired or not in the mood. The more you stick to your end of the rule, the kids understand that you won´t budge and they give up trying to convince you. Overtime, the child learns and accepts your expectations for your family.