Be Reasonable

Do not expect too much from an inexperienced child. A child of three or four lacks the capabilities of one who is seven or eight years old. Sometimes the oldest child suffers from being treated as if older than he actually is. A child of seven is still a child, even if there are six younger brothers and sisters. Act from the principle of reason and faith and not from emotions which cloud the reason.

As a child begins to understand, explain the reasons for your actions and commands. But do not let the child think that obedience is simply a matter of the one with the better reasons prevailing over the other. Obedience is not a debate between parents and child. When the child is very young, too many reasons only confuse.

Be Patient

This is so obvious that it barely needs stating. The child is inexperienced, doesn’t hear when preoccupied with other things, forgets easily, and sometimes has an uncanny knack of irritating mother at the wrong time. These and many other reasons place a great strain upon the patience of the father and the mother. Some parents have a very low boiling point. Only continued effort will achieve some measure of success in this difficult virtue.

Be Consistent

Is a child knows what to expect from the parent in certain circumstances, it will gradually conform. But if the same action calls forth different responses, ranging from violent disapproval to apathetic indifference, a child will become confused. Be consistent in the treatment of children so that no one is favored over the other.

Praise for Work Well Done

While it is true that a child must learn to do things not for praise but out of a sense of duty, yet a little praise accomplishes much. Do not forget that a child learns the meaning of duty by the approval or disapproval that the parents show.

Long before the child can define law and duty, he knows what pleases or displeases a parent. This should not remain as the motive for mature conduct. It is good to reward with a treat for a job that has been well done, but it is not wise to bribe a child.

Punish to Help Not Hurt

The purpose of punishment is the amendment of a child, not the vindication of the authority of the parent or the expression of personal spite. Punishment only enters when the child has committed some moral fault. If a child makes a mistake because he is confused, forgetful or ignorant, there must be correction but not punishment.

The punishment musty fit the crime as well as the personality of the child. Sometimes a glance will do. At other times, some action is needed. Withdrawal of a privilege is a proper method of punishment.