The importance of consistency in parenting can never be over-emphasized. It is the most essential requirement as far as child discipline is concerned. Any lapse will cause heavy damage in terms of reverting to bad behavior by the child. Yet, it cannot be denied that maintaining consistency is also the most arduous task. After all, parents are but human and children can sometimes drive you up the wall. Nonetheless, if you, as a parent, can get over the initial hurdles to being consistent, there are a number of benefits waiting for you.



You will need an unshakable determination to deal with children; children can be exasperating at times. They will test your will power. Older children will be defiant and younger ones will just not remember the rules. Your task is to go on repeating the same rules over and over again until they are well established. During the course of this drill, you may encounter sudden bursts that will catch you unawares and off guard. You need to be conscious of such moments and have a back-up strategy to deal with the unanticipated situation. Basically, you should be able to pre-empt your child's moves and have a solution.

It's always best to start and maintain consistency as early as possible. Most parents wait for children to grow a little older to start establishing rules; they wait too long. It's better to start when they are young because the younger they are the faster they learn, and for older children it is a longer process since they have to unlearn a certain behavior pattern to adopt a new one. Here are a few tips to maintain consistency:

1. Communication: Communication is the keyword in all relationships. First the parents must sit down and talk to each other and agree upon an action plan. Then they should communicate their expectations regarding child discipline to the children in clear terms.

2. Perseverance: You can't succeed at once. You will have to be patient and persevering. Every time you seem to fail and think your strategy is not working, start with renewed energy and keep at it. Don't quit half way.

3. Though it is good to have a plan, you should also be flexible because you are dealing with children that are alive and vibrant, so, don't be afraid to adapt it as necessary. Dogged insistence is not consistency. If you need to change a part of your consistency establishment and maintenance plan, you must change it. Don't stay with something that is not even working.

4. Always try and support each other even if you have differences at times. You can iron out these differences through communication, but not in the presence of your children otherwise they will get confused messages. It is a good idea to have a support system. This can be a close friend, family member or professional who can provide objective parenting tips and view point.

5. Guidance: If you are not fully confident, you must ask for parenting help from professionals or other parents.

You can establish a routine of child discipline that works for everyone by communicating, persevering, supporting and being willing to ask questions. Remember, being consistent with child discipline isn't easy, but it is rewarding.

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