Sometimes it can be very difficult to communicate something with your child. Set clear expectations regarding what is acceptable behavior and what is not. This is imperative to successfully teaching your child right from wrong. If the parameters are unclear or the child learns that in a situation the rules for the time being don't apply in another situation, he will be confusion and frustrated and so will you.
Sit with your child well in advance and explain both the expectations and consequences of misconduct or wrong doing. Make it clear that in no uncertain terms, there is no room for negotiation at the time of the crime.
Rules regarding your child's safety, health or well-being should have no room for negotiation at all and need to be strictly enforced. Other rules can be discussed openly and honestly with your child. If necessary, a contract between parent and child can be drawn up that puts these things in black and white, in language your child can understand. For young children, you may want to set up a table of good conduct in the contract, and for each week that passes without offenses, a favorite or special treat can be won.
But all children need to understand that discipline is the way you teach them what is acceptable behavior and what is not. Maybe it seems as though children fight rules and regulations, but they really know that these settings are intended for their welfare, health, safety, and allow them to grow into a mature person capable of taking wise decisions.
Consistency is key to successfully teaching your child right from wrong. Dealing with small infractions now, makes dealing with the bigger problems later so much easier. You must stand firm and say when you say, "Turn off the television now" or "no dessert after dinner because you did not touch your dinner." This teaches defined consequences for misdeeds and inappropriate or unacceptable actions or behaviors. Inconsistency makes you directly responsible for the misconduct of your children and does not teach them to be accountable for their actions.
It is also important that each partner is consistent with the discipline. If one parent is too strict and the other is too lenient, the child may try to manipulate the situation to his advantage. Parents must agree on disciplinary action in advance and make a commitment to another to be consistent in implementing and monitoring the consequences. This can be particularly difficult if the parents are separated or divorced.
Consistency has to be strong and firm. It can sometimes be difficult after a hard day's work to face a hard night of parenting in front of you. Your child will always test the limits and "push the envelope” with you to see if there is any play in those consequences. Show that there is none and you expect nothing less than taking responsibility for their actions
