Routines and boundaries provide a child with guidance. Discipline is about setting limits and because each child is different, limits need to be set to suit personalities. Discipline is also about teaching, not about punishment. It must be firm and consistent; gentle yet effective. Label the behaviour, not the child. “I love you, I just don’t like what you are doing right now.”

Some children respond well to having guidelines explained. Others need to be shown alternatives or re-directed. When you set reasonable limits for your child, he/she will learn to set her/his own limits and make good choices. The key to providing limits is to be consistent. Let children work out minor squabbles on their own so that they learn how to set limits (Concept of Calm Assertiveness).

Routines provide children with direction. Have a routine . Decide on the order together. Tell your child what he/she needs to do. Don’t discuss, persuade or nag. Instead, walk away. If he doesn’t do what you have asked, let him learn that he will not get extra attention by behaving badly. The best way to help better behaviour is by ensuring that everyone has enough sleep. SLEEP NEEDS: preschoolers need 11-13 hours per night; elementary 10-12 hours per night; intermediate 9 – 11 hours; teenagers 8 – 10 hours per night. Some examples of routines are: bedtime, naptime, dinner time, bath time, morning time.

Literacy Activity (pick one of these activities or do both if time permits)

• Time Management Quiz found in Parent Book Discussion. What, if anything is getting in your way to complete projects that you want to complete? How can you rework your family schedule in order to accomplish what you wanted? OR do you need to rethink what you are trying to accomplish? Is it realistic?
• Discuss how soon a child can have responsibility.

Homework

• Discuss craft (Glue buttons onto craft paper and record the number glued). Assign the number 11 in the child book.

Snack