Below is a link to a blog posting on how to “discipline” a three year old.  It’s not rocket science, but a good reminder to all of us to remember to be patient with our kids lest we want to teach them to be impatient and disrespectful.

One of the most important rules at Golestan is that all staff always be loving and respectful to children. 

Another is to control the level of stimulation the children receive at all times.  No visual noise (multi-colored posters or art work posted all over the walls) or auditory noise (high pitched, electronic, or frenetic music etc).

When things get chaotic (i.e. during transitions), redirect the children by (for example) singing a song.  In fact, every transition at our school is marked by a specific song that the kids and teachers sing together - for example, cleanup, washing hands, gathering at the lunch table, lining up for the bathroom, going outside… even naptime.

My interpretation of the take home message of this posting is this: 

1. always try to view your child’s behavior from his/her perspective;

2. be patient and loving, lending a helping hand as a means to an end;

3. reduce chaos and overstimulation for your child;

4. offer clear boundaries and be consistent in supporting these boundaries, but with love and patience; and

5. teach by example: never lie, hit, disrespect, manipulate, control, demean… unless you want your child to follow suit. Instead, be gentle, patient, kind, loving, empathetic, generous, confident, giving, strong, altruistic, and any other trait you personally feel defines a good person.

I believe that remembering these few basic principles will help us raise children with the qualities we (at Golestan) strive to teach our children:

Curiosity :: Altruism :: Generosity :: Compassion :: Confidence :: Kindness :: Community

http://commonsenseparenting.blogspot.com/2010/02/how-do-i-discipline-my-three-year-old.html