This is an odd name for a page about children, but it is so fitting that I just had to use it. Children are like puppies. They do super well when praised --- and they can look for trouble just to get your attention when they are ignored. A puppy will pee where he shouldn't, just to get your attention, and although your response is not good, it is attention, period.

Children thirve with praise and if you don't believe it, just try it. But it takes more than one compliment, this is a life-changing habit if you are not doing it already. But like puppies, if they don't get the necessary praise and attention, they soon relate bad behaviour to getting your love, your attention. They can't tell the difference between a paddling or a hug when it comes right down to it. If you scold enough then they see that as love. It's up to the parent to teach the child the right form of love. If a child continually does something wrong then it's time to take a good hard look at yourself and whomever else has a lot of contact with that child.

Children are like little sponges, absorbing every little thing around them. They should not have to absorb parents arguing, or money worries, or where the next meal is coming from. You as the caregiver/parent needs to learn the right time for your spats or discussions. Do not do it in front of a child, period. Allow that child their childhood. Even if you didn't have a good childhood, don't take it away from your own child or children.

Remember, children are like puppy dogs. Praise the heck out of them for every little thing they do that is even remotely seen as good, and of course discipline them when they are naughty. And before you raise your hand to that child remember one thing:

Discipline is what you do for a child

and Punishment is what you do to a child.

You should never use punishment with a child, ever!
Prisons use punishment, not parents.