Sage

*not a parent, just playing one on TFP...*

personally based on what I've learned of cognition in young children, I think that the best thing to do would be follow what has been said before- make sure you're taking appropiate action based on the history of the child. Also, make sure you aren't acting out of anger, but instead out of love and compassion (ie- you love your son and want him to grow up knowing right from wrong, so you discipline/punish him). One of the greatest stories I've ever heard from my friends is when her young son (4yo) kept throwing rocks and eventually broke the back windshield of the car, she had enough presence of mind to go in the house and calm down BEFORE she disciplined the kid. That way, she was level headed enough to sit down with him and say "I told you not to do that, you kept doing it, and therefore you will be punished." I think there are wayyy too many parents who don't communicate with their children, and to me that's the key in discipline. You broke the vase when we told you not to throw your ball in the house, therefore You are going to clean up the mess and (insert disciplinary action here). Make sure they know WHY mom and dad are doing what they're doing. Whenever I did anything wrong, I got a smack on the butt and boy, did I not do it again!

Congradulations on your new bundle of joy!

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