How to Be a Stricter Parent And Teach Your Child Responsibility

By Jaredsgirl

Being a stricter parent does not mean being a mean parent. It simply means teaching your child responsibility to be a more well rounded person as he grows. A stricter parent is one who creates guidelines for your child to follow and helps him learn about the consequences of his actions. Here are some tips for being a stricter parent and teaching your child responsibility for the way he behaves.

Step 1
Set boundaries for your child. Being a stricter parent means setting rules for your child to follow and letting him know how far he can and can't go. By setting boundaries, you are teaching your child that he cannot just do as he pleases and must listen to those above him such as you, the parent; teachers; principals; bosses;...etc. A stricter parent is one who can set boundaries for her child and feel good about the fact that rules are made and the child listens to and follows those rules accordingly. A child who learns to follow rules will become a more responsible adult later in life.

Set expectations for your child. A stricter parent is one who believes in her child and challenges them to be the best person they can be. By setting expectations, you are telling your child that you know he can do things and you expect him to do them to the best of his ability. For example, expectations can be: household chores, good grades in school, good behavior, respect for others, and/or listening to his elders. Let your child know ahead of time what kinds of things you expect from him. Encourage him to reach toward these expectations by trying his best. Expecting things from your child, as a stricter parent, will help him to be a better person.

Give time limits to your child. Let your child know that you expect him home at certain times when he is away from home. A stricter parent also lets his or her child know that they have time limits on getting thing done around the house and in doing fun things he enjoy (limiting TV and video game time). When you give your child time limits, you are encouraging him to be more motivated and to get things done in a timely manner. For example, if you ask your child to do his chores...let him know that you want them done quickly so he doesn't poke around. Give him a reasonable time limit such as a half hour to clean his room (depending on how messy it is).

Give punishments and positive reinforcements accordingly. A stricter parent is one who does not allow her child to get away with bad behaviors. Letting your child know that he will receive punishments when he is not behaving appropriately or getting things done you ask will teach him responsibility for his actions. In turn, when your child has done something well or finished in an allotted time, it is equally important to praise him and provide positive reinforcements for good behaviors. Staying consistent with discipline and praise will help your child to become a more well rounded individual. A stricter parent is one who knows when to discipline and when to provide positive reinforcement. Of course, you wouldn't buy your child a small toy if they had behaved badly in the store and you should never punish a child who has tried his best to do his chores.

Follow through with your actions. A stricter parent is one who is consistent with her actions and follows through with punishments and rewards. Your child will listen better and understand what is expected of him if you follow through with discipline. For example, if you tell your child that you are going to take away his video games for the night if he does not get his room cleaned in the next hour...you must follow through with this and do so. When you don't follow through as a parent, you harm the way your child sees you as a parent. Following through with punishments and rewards encourages your child to respect you as a parent and to know you mean business.

Written by By Jaredsgirl
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