How To Parent

So I don't have any kids yet or anywhere NEAR to having kids so you're probably thinking,"How on earth do you know anything about raising kids?". Well, I don't. I mean not from personal experience anyway. But I have been taking a lot of classes that deal with parenting and the best way to parent and I have gained a lot of insight. I know it's probably hard to take advice from someone who doesn't know the struggles of raising a child, but just try to hear me out!
We all want to avoid harsh punishment with our kids right? We don't enjoy making our child feel worse for something that they did wrong. But how are they going to learn right? This thinking is completely outdated! If your child already feels wrong for something they did, why are we so quick to think making them feel worse will not only make them not do it again, but help the relationship between the child and parent? There are many alternative ways to deal with a child that does something wrong.

First Step: Identify with your child the specific act that was wrong
Second Step: Describe to your child the impact of that act
Third Step: Give a suggestion for one or more alternatives to the bad behavior
Fourth Step: A direct statement of what the punishment should be
Fifth Step: Give a statement of your expectation that your child will do better next time

Following these steps when punishing your child should be consistent and swiftly given, but never harsh! If we as parents want to build a healthy, loving relationship with our child, we need to start treating our children with respect. How can we expect respect if none is given?

Sources: "The Ten Basic Principles of Good Parenting" By Dr. Steinberg