Bill Corbett

I was reading a parenting blog in which the author used an example of what to do if a child lied about taking the papers and markers off the teachers desk. Her suggested consequence was that she couldn't use the papers and markers for the rest of the day. That is clearly punishment, especially at 4 years old. The consequence to a 4 year old taking paper and markers off the teachers desk is to coach him into putting them back and making a big deal by thanking him for putting them back. Then teaching him how to ask to use them in the future. (Photo courtesy Photo by Jason Sung on Unsplash ) I suggested that she keep in mind that herr focus on CONFRONTING THE LIE and then applying PUNISHMENT RATHER THAN TRUE CONSEQUENCES are very confrontational and could cause a parent or teacher to NOT really get the results they are really looking for... a cooperative and independent child. Instead, the results could create a child who might feel bad, fight more and even lie more. The late philoso...

Children experimenting as an animal is absolutely normal. They do it because they are simply exploring or perhaps, to gain some attention. Parents should allow their children to behave like a cat at home and you as the parent, simply ignore it. If your child answers you with a meow, you can simply tell them, "I don't understand what you're trying to tell me. I will listen to you when you speak like a little girl." Then just walk away. If your child enters an activity at home meowing like a cat, for example coming to the dinner table. Just calmly tell her that only people can eat at the table and when she returns to being a little girl, she will get food and the rest of the family will speak to her and listen to her again. In other words, don't try to control your child when they are in one of these exploring modes. Let it be and get involved when she tries to participate in the family. Do not meow back at her, do not crawl around on all fours with her and don'...