COVID pandemic has changed everyone’s routine. Sitting and working from home has given rise to a number of behavioral issues among children. It is becoming difficult for parents to make their children stick to a routine. Sticking to the routine gives rise to self-discipline and also helps children to utilize their time in the best way. Tips given here will unite us together and say ‘Aha’ parenting.
- Be a role model: If you wish to teach your child discipline, be a role model for them. Avoid procrastinating things as you are a role model for your child. Teach them the right things calmly.
- Create structure: Avoid changing the regular schedule as it gives rise to indiscipline. Make a proper schedule as per the age of your child. The best idea is to involve them while you are planning their schedule. Allow children to get used to a regular routine. Set a routine for mealtime, study, playtime, screen time, family time, and sleep time. Stick to a bedtime routine as it helps them to get sound sleep and wake up fresh every morning.
- Plan ahead: Be ready for all types of situations. Try to keep planning flexible for special occasions or any emergency. If you are aware of any situation in advance, then plan ahead, don’t wait until the last moment. Don’t panic about your child’s troubling behavior. Prepare them also for all phases of life and how you want them to behave.
- Set limits: Set clear instructions and rules. Ensure that you explain to them the importance of sticking to rules in life. Don’t forget to set limitations as per the age of the child. Be sure to explain them calmly as per the child’s understanding. Always encourage them to stick to their routine. Motivate them to follow the rules by giving rewards. Set consequences also for not sticking to the routine. Consequences can be limiting screen time or favorite activity. Don’t forget to monitor your child and rewards for following them.
- Give Rewards: Notice your child’s good behavior, and don’t forget to acknowledge it with some reward. Appreciate them whenever they demonstrate self-discipline. Never let their efforts and good behavior go unnoticed. Express your pride and encourage them to continue with it. Think about rewards that don’t cost money but give a sense of accomplishment.
- Set consequences: Consequences bring great lessons in life. Set consequences if your child doesn’t follow instructions. Very calmly make them understand the importance of your instructions. Remember, don’t take away things which really matter for a child, such as meals or spending time with you. Let them face natural consequences for their laziness and being casual. Forcing someone to do something isn’t the right way to teach discipline, so let them examine and decide.
- Inculcate problem-solving skills: To teach self-discipline, allow your child to work independently. Avoid them with small basic chores at home or school, self-grooming, doing their homework, setting or clearing the dinner table, or brushing their teeth. Teach them the right way to do things rather than doing it for them. Always be with them when they require your suggestions and feedback.
- Listen patiently: Listen to them before you decide the consequences. Keep a watch on your child’s behavior pattern and talk to him.
- Give time: Never compromise spending quality time with your child. Do not replace your time by giving different things. Lack of time can give rise to indiscipline, so make little time for your child every day.
- Redirect: As everybody is at home due to the COVID pandemic, children sometimes get bored with regular schedules. It is when misbehavior arises, so find something for them that will help them overcome boredom.
- Give attention: Give attention to your child’s needs. Give them complete attention as it is an important key to teach them discipline.
- Be patient: Sometimes, ignoring bad behavior can be an effective way to stop it. Be patient unless they are doing something dangerous. Let your child learn a few things by doing, as everything cannot be taught with mere words.
- One step at a time: Setting behavior and discipline takes years. Set age-appropriate strategies to shape behavior. Provide reminders using charts, drawings, or alarms till they do each task on time. One step at a time will not only make them bring discipline but will also teach them a lesson of independence.
We hope you enjoyed our blog about how to discipline your child to stick to a routine. We know that it’s hard to get our kids to stick to a routine, but once you get it set up it really is easier to follow. So if you’re having trouble getting your kids to stick to a routine, take a look at our tips to help them out!
Author : Sreeja Chedayath founder and tutor at Guruscool abacus . Guruscool abacus is in various parts of the Netherlands. We aim to render proficient training for children between 5-13 years of age. Our prime motive is to ensure kids come out more self-confident which would further improve their overall functional academic growth and development of other pivotal skills such as concentration, logic, memory, and visual structure through the advanced use of our abacus math learning