Consistency is a Virtue that Pays Rich Dividends

The importance of consistency in parenting can never be over-emphasized. It is the most essential requirement as far as child discipline is concerned. Any lapse will cause heavy damage in terms of reverting to bad behavior by the child. Yet, it cannot be denied that maintaining consistency is also the most arduous task. After all, parents are but human and children can sometimes drive you up the wall. Nonetheless, if you, as a parent, can get over the initial hurdles to being consistent, there are a number of benefits waiting for you.

Be aware that your children will test your will power. If you have older children and are just establishing consistency, expect defiant children and to have a hard time in getting it established. If you have younger children, you will not have as hard a time establishing this part of child discipline.

It’s always best to start and maintain consistency as early as possible. Most parents wait for children to grow a little older to start establishing rules; they wait too long. It’s better to start when they are young because the younger they are the faster they learn, and for older children it is a longer process since they have to unlearn a certain behavior pattern to adopt a new one. Here are a few tips to maintain consistency:

1. Sit down and communicate. This talk should be between parents and involve laying out a planned course of action for establishing child discipline. Take a look at areas where consistency is lacking and develop a plan for establishing consistency.

2. Perseverance: You can’t succeed at once. You will have to be patient and persevering. Every time you seem to fail and think your strategy is not working, start with renewed energy and keep at it. Don't quit half way.

3. Though it is good to have a plan, you should also be flexible because you are dealing with children that are alive and vibrant, so, don't be afraid to adapt it as necessary. Dogged insistence is not consistency. If you need to change a part of your consistency establishment and maintenance plan, you must change it. Don't stay with something that is not even working.

4. Always try and support each other even if you have differences at times. You can iron out these differences through communication, but not in the presence of your children otherwise they will get confused messages. It is a good idea to have a support system. This can be a close friend, family member or professional who can provide objective parenting tips and view point.

5. Ask for parenting help, if you need it. No one knows everything about parenting. There isn\'t a manual or how to guide. If you get stuck, ask around or do research.

You can establish a routine of child discipline that works for everyone by communicating, persevering, supporting and being willing to ask questions. Remember, being consistent with child discipline isn't easy, but it is rewarding.

For information on children\'s behavioral problem and for parenting help, take a look at http://www.good-child-guide.com/.

Dr. Noel Swanson has a free newsletter on children's behavior problems and is a frequent contributor to Yes Parenting website.
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