how do you teach a child to behave?

[audreyprsns10]

You really cannot discipline a child for something when he doesn't really understand what he's doing wrong.  If you do, he will resent it and begin to really act out or even get worse at that behavior.  Discipline should only be administered when the child is deliberately being rebellious or disobedient.  When it is necessary to spank (after he realizes what he is doing that's wrong), then don't just give him a patty cake, for he will resent that and get worse.  You must instead make it hurt.  It has to hurt.  I'm not talking about abuse, but if it doesn't hurt, then there's no point in it at all.  I would suggest this...  instead of punishing him for hurting someone, instead, be more specific, and punish him for specific acts (that is, AFTER he has been taught what acts are forbidden).