Instead of punish

Three steps:

1. Tell your child to sit for a brief time to think about her behaviors and choices.

2. When you are ready, not when your child demands, go to your child.

3. If your child responds appropriately — with honesty and without blaming others — give praise, a big hug, a warm smile and the assurance that all is forgiven. If your child does not respond appropriately, say, “I guess you need more time to think it over. I’ll be back soon.”