Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Damaging or Destroying Property
TOUCHING THINGS THAT SHOULDN'T BE TOUCHED
- Examples
Stereo, television, plants, breakables, valuables.
- The rule
"Don't touch the stereo, because it is only for
grownups. Ask me for help if you want it turned on."
- Discipline technique
Mainly, restructure the environment. Put away valuable
or dangerous objects, use gates, and lock doors to make
certain areas off limits. For objects that can't be
removed, use clear verbal disapproval. If this fails,
use temporary time-out.
- Caution
Much of this exploratory behavior is normal and
contributes to your child's development. In general,
encourage this normal curiosity. Allow exploration of
some closets and shelves. For example, give your child
a drawer of his own in the kitchen where he can keep
some utensils you no longer use. As he becomes older,
teach your child to explore objects with his eyes rather
than his hands.
- Praise
Praise your child for asking you to turn on the
television or stereo.
DELIBERATELY DAMAGING OR DESTROYING PROPERTY
- Imitators
Some children take toys or other objects apart out of
curiosity. Sometimes children break things
accidentally. Since people are more important than
property, these children need sympathy and help with
their dilemma, not punishment.
- The rule
"Don't break things, because they cost money and/or are
hard to fix."
- Discipline technique
Time-out. In addition, use logical consequences. If
the object belongs to the child, don't replace it. If
the object is yours and your child is over age 6, have
him or her pay for part of it out of allowance money.
- Praise
Praise your child for taking good care of your
possessions and his or her own possessions.
- Model
Show care in handling other people's belongings.
JUMPING ON FURNITURE
- The rule
"Don't jump on the furniture or bed, because you might
break it or get hurt."
- Discipline technique
Redirect your child to some other play - if possible,
one that involves jumping.
- Praise
Praise your child for playing in the bedroom without
jumping on the bed.
DRAWING ON THE WALLS
- The rule
"Don't put any marks on the walls, because it's hard to
get them clean."
- Discipline technique
Logical consequences of having your child clean up the
mess he or she has caused, as well as temporarily
removing the privilege of using paints, crayons, or
markers.
- Praise
Praise your child for drawing on paper.
BREAKING OR THROWING TOYS
- The rule
"Don't break toys, because they cost money. Don't throw
toys, because you might break something in the house."
- Discipline technique
Logical consequences:
- If the toy is not broken, take it out of circulation
for 2 days. The toy has to go back into circulation
in order to teach proper behavior.
- If the toy is broken, delay repair for at least 2
days. Teach that things can't be fixed until you
have some free time.
- If the toy can't be repaired, either don't replace it
or have your child use his or her own money to
replace it.
- Praise
Praise your child for taking good care of possessions.
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Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
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Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems
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