There's not a magic method for every kid
MARQUETTE -- What works and what doesn't when it comes to disciplining our kids? That's Wednesday's Facebook Story of the Day.
You wanted to know suggestions for effective discipline. Some say there isn't a cut-and-dry answer as every child is different.
Amber Krueger is a mother of four and in the last few years decided to make the transition from working mother to stay-at-home mom with a daycare business on the side. She's worked with kids of all ages but has found when it comes to discipline, there isn't a standard foolproof method.
"There's things that I did with my first that doesn't work with my last," says Krueger. "There's things I do with my last that would have never worked with my first."
She's found consequences, like timeout and extra chores, have been effective, but one thing she hasn't had luck with is corporal punishment or spanking. Experts say there's a reason for that.
"It's a much easier thing to just take the child and give them a swat on the butt and not deal with the situation, but if you want your child to change, there needs to be a consequence they're going to remember," says Marquette General Parenting Instructor Marissa Palomaki.
Instead, Marquette General Women's and Children's Center suggests letting kids make their own decisions and giving them choices, followed by consequences they must deal with.
Some of our Facebook viewers disagree. Ed Greenleaf writes: "Kids these days have little or no respect for authority, I wonder why? I blame it on their parents for being spineless and giving them timeouts instead of handing out a few whoopins."
Others say children do have less respect for authority, but it's got nothing to do with physical punishment.
"I believe that there is less follow through from the parents, and parents want to be their child's friend," Palomaki says. "If we have real consequences, it takes some work."
Marquette General Women's and Children's Center will host classes with more information on best parenting practices this fall. For more information, click here.