"Best-of" Disciplinary Strategies for Defiant Children and Teens

No one discipline technique can be relied upon for all situations. The wise mother or father develops a functional set of skills suited to different situations. Remember that the best discipline is “prevention,” and there is "no one size fits all" when it comes to promoting positive behavior and self-responsibility – and responding to unacceptable behaviors. Below is a summary of the most effective disciplinary techniques for the oppositional, defiant child. Effective discipline: • advances development • encourages self-responsibility • is proactive • promotes positive behavior and self-control • protects and strengthens the youngster's self-esteem • responds to unacceptable behavior and a lack of self-control • strengthens the parent-youngster relationship Basic disciplinary techniques include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. "I-Message": It is more helpful to try to make kids aware of how we feel, but leave responsib...