People always ask me how I get the children to behave so nicely and what my views on discipline are. I'm a huge fan of Super Nanny's (Jo Frost) techniques and have been following them for years. I always set clear boundaries and from day one I am consistent with what I ask the children to do or not to do. Discipline is finding the right balance where you are warm with your children and able to have a wonderful time, but you're firm when you need to be. At First Discoveries discipline is not about harsh punishment and never involves physical punishment-just clear boundaries, regular routine, discipline and lots of praise and rewards. I notice a huge difference between children who have no rules at home and those who do. It seems that when a child who hasn't experienced clear boundaries and consistent rules comes to First Discoveries and experiences how life is with a predictable daily routine, clear limits, tons of praise, and consistency their little souls light up. All of the sudden they are a happy, easy going, comfortable and know their limits. With simple expectations, one-on-one attention, and consistency in expectations and daily routine a whole new personality, and attitude come out its amazing to see!

Here are 10 guidelines to follow when caring for children. They apply to any situation you may face while raising children.

1. Praise and Rewards

The best reward is attention. Praise your child when they've done something properly-and OFTEN! Don't forget to praise them for the small things-like getting buckled into the car seat without a fit or playing nicely with a friend. We use a sticker chart for good behavior and once a certain amount of stickers are filled the children receive a prize of their choice. I often whisper in a certain child's ear how wonderful they are behaving, or give them special notes, hugs and high fives.

2. Consistency

Once you've made a rule stick to it! Don't change it for the sake of a quiet life or because you're embarrassed. Make sure that everyone

keeps to the same rule as well. Not sticking to a rule will make the child push even further the next time a rule is enforced.

3. Routine

Keep your home in basic order and maintain a routine. Set times for waking, sleeping, eating. Children need to know what to expect, it makes them feel comfortable and secure.

4. Boundaries

Children need to know there are limits to their behavior-which means what is acceptable and what is not. You need to set rules and tell them what you expect. Mutual respect is huge for me and I do not allow children to disrespect myself, their parents (while in my home), the other children or my classroom materials and toys. If a child doesn't respect her parents, teachers, friends and siblings and doesn't feel respected by her parents, teachers, friends and siblings she will carry that attitude with her into other situations-and is likely to have trouble making friends, concentrating in school and learning-this can have a long lasting effect on the child's entire life. The other big boundary that is set at First Discoveries is not to behave in a way that would hurt someone else or yourself- no hitting, biting, throwing things, etc.

5. Discipline

You can only keep the boundaries in place by discipline. This means firm and fair control. It may just take an authoritative voice and warning to get the message across. Otherwise, there are other techniques to use, none of which involve harsh or physical punishment. We use a lot of positive reinforcements and redirection and will occasionally use time-out to remove a child from the group for short periods of time to help them think about what they have been doing wrong and how to improve their behavior. Time out is always followed up by an explanation of why the child was sent to time out, what they can do next time to avoid going to time out, and a proper apology from the child and a hug from the teacher. Luckily, because I have always had clear consistent boundaries and clear consequences time out is very rarely needed, and we usually go several weeks without any of the students having to have a time-out time.

6. Warnings

There are two kinds of warnings. One tells a child what's coming up next-you're the speaking clock telling her that bath time is coming up soon, or that you're getting near to putting her lunch on the table. The other is a warning for bad behavior. That gives her the chance to correct her behavior without further discipline. Children don't like surprises, so give ample warning when something is about to change (cleaning up toys, or meal time) Children also need a clear warning if they aren't behaving properly and a chance to correct the behavior before discipline is used. When an inappropriate behavior occurs I stop children, have them look me in the eye and ask them not do behave that way. I let them know that this is their warning, and if they continue to do it again they will go to time out.

7. Explanations

A small child can't understand how you want him to behave unless you tell him. Don't reason or make it too complicated-just state the obvious. For example, before entering a restaurant or store I ALWAYS clearly state my expectations to the children

  "We are going into a restaurant now, I expect you to behave properly. This means using manners, using our quiet voices, sitting nicely in your chair and eating nicely. If you choose to not behave properly we will leave the restaurant immediately and go home"

So far, I have never had to leave the restaurant, or even come close to having to leave, in fact, every single time we go out to a restaurant we get compliments from strangers on what good behavior and manners we have.

9. Responsibility

Childhood is about growing up. Let them. Allow children to do small, achievable things to boost their self confidence and learn the necessary life and social skills.  At First Discoveries children complete chores everyday including cleaning, clearing the table, and taking care of their younger friends. We work on learning self help skills and encourage independence. Children are capable of doing so much! I think sometimes we all choose the easier path and just dress, feed, or clean

up after a child quickly rather than letting them try to accomplish these small tasks on their own which gives them such a sense of pride and accomplishment and helps them learn to be responsible and take care of themselves and their belongings.

10. Relaxation

Don't forget to relax, spend quality quiet time together reading or chatting. One of my favorite activities with the children is rocking in our rocking chair and have a long chat sing songs or read stories together. Children need time during the day to have complete one on one attention to know that their teacher appreciates them, and cares about their individual needs and feelings. Spending the day with children is FUN! It shouldn't be a stressful experience. Watching children grow and change is one of the most fulfilling and exciting experiences life can offer and I'm blessed to be able to experience it everyday with so many wonderful children. Enjoy your children, they grow up way too fast!