Getting a Handle on Homeschool Discipline

Some homeschool moms on social media are miserable.  Their kids are out of control, and it's often described as a typical day. Well, it wasn't our typical day – and it doesn't have to be yours either. Nothing can derail home education faster than out-of-control kids.Today, on The Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast, Mary Ellen and Ginny discuss why this is happening and share the ways to fix it. Show Notes:Out-of-control kids are not unique to homeschooling families.  A trip to the park, the library, or a family restaurant will convince you that poorly behaved children are epidemic.  Many parents have convinced themselves that brattiness is just a normal stage of growing up, like cutting teeth -- it is not.  In countries all over the world, children are obedient, respectful, hardworking, and even sacrificial.Why have we lost control?  A few ideas:Americans are generally pretty well off.  In movies and TV, parents, especially dads, are often portrayed as buffoons. Childcare professionals, the so-called experts, give terrible advice.So, who SHOULD we follow for parenting advice?  Catholics should follow just three "pages" when it comes to raising their children:  Sacred ScriptureOur Holy TraditionsThe Magisterium or teaching authority of the church.The 4th Commandment is NOT a suggestion.  We are required to teach our children to honor and obey us in everything that is not sinful.The simplest path to well-behaved kids is to establish your authority right from the start.  As soon as they can understand you, probably about 1 ½ yearsRule #1: Clear, easy-to-understand rules.  BEFORE we leave our bedroom in the morning, we stow dirty clothes and make our beds.  When we get up from the table, we clear our places. We always say please and thank you.  Rule #2: Don't whine or beg your children to be good.  Express your expectations clearly and leave no room for doubt. If they don't listen, give a clear and immediate consequence.  Rule #3: Do not give delayed consequences."No TV for you tonight is ineffective."  The kid will never remember, nor will you.  You don't have to yell or scream – calm and confident works best.  You just have to persevere. Rule #4: Do not argue with your kids:  You will never win!   Expect obedience and walk away from an obstinate child.  Do not engage. Rule #5: A simple, sensible schedule and a check-off list for responsibilities.Set a regular time and post it on the fridge or a whiteboard:SchoolworkChoresInstrumental practice, or whateverToo strict? It's just the opposite.  There's ultimately less stress when children know what is expected of them.Tune in in two weeks for part 2 of our discipline series.  Homeschooling ResourcesSeton Home Study SchoolSeton Testing Services