Parenting Tips for Grandparents

You Can't Make Me! Tips for Disciplining Your Grandchildren
Discipline means to teach. You are a valuable and important teacher for your grandchildren. Expect to see good behavior and praise your grandchildren when they are doing things correctly.

When you do not see good behavior from your grandchildren, let them know that you are disappointed with their behavior, not with them as a person.

You can help your grandchildren learn about respecting others by showing them respect. Listen carefully when they talk to you. Try to understand why they are misbehaving so you can respond to their needs. Correct behavior with a firm and respectful tone of voice.

Explain that each family has rules to live by and your rules are the ones you expect your grandchildren to live by now. Talk about the reasons for your rules. Let your grandchildren know your family rules and post them where everyone can see them.

When your grandchildren do not follow the rules, try these ideas:

Ignore attention-seeking behavior unless your grandchildren might get hurt.

Direct your grandchildren toward good behavior by giving them options for other activities.

Replace "don't do that" or "stop it" with positive phrases such as "please do this."

Help your grandchildren accept responsibility for their actions. For example, do not replace toys when children play too roughly and break them.

Have your grandchildren take a time-out by sitting on a chair in a safe, boring place. Have them sit on the chair for the same number of minutes as their age.

Take away watching television, playing outside or talking on the phone.

(boy, does this bring back memories....tee hee)