The Easiest Discipline System for Kids That Actually Works

One of the biggest challenges for parents is finding a discipline system for kids that actually works. If you’ve struggled with this, I have great news. Years ago I discovered the easiest discipline system for kids and it absolutely delivers results! It’s one of my very favorite parenting tips to share with other parents.

The best part is – it doesn’t involve yelling, nagging, or tears. Yes, really.

The “X” Discipline System for Kids

In my house, we refer to it as the “X” system.

Rules

The first step is to sit down and come up with the rules. You want to keep the system simple and your expectations reasonable. Ideally, your list will be limited to 3-5 rules. Here’s an example of what your rules might look like:

Consequences

Next, figure out the 7 things that matter most for EACH of your children. Then rank them in order with 1 being the thing on the list they care about least and 7 being the thing that matters to them most.

Examples of things that might be on your list are:

• TV
• Cell phone
• Dessert
• Playing with friends
• Staying up past bedtime on weekends
• Video games

Your children each have their own unique personalities so it’s important to make a list that’s unique for each of them.

Implementation

Then, print off the weekly chart (shown below) and write each child’s name next to one of the tables. Starting with the 4^th box in the first row, write in an item from the list and fill in the boxes until #7 on the list is in the last box of the table. Do this for each of your children.

Laminate the sheet or place it inside a plastic page protector and place it somewhere convenient (on the refrigerator, on a bulletin board, taped inside a cabinet or closet door).

Each time a child violates a rule (e.g. forgets to hang up backpack after school), have him X off one of the boxes. Each child gets 3 free boxes. After that, they start losing privileges. Once it’s marked off on the chart, they lose that privilege for the rest of the week. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Results

This system works amazingly well. You don’t do any yelling. You don’t have to make up consequences on the spot. It sets clear expectations for your children. This is a foolproof system in my house. We usually use it for a month or two to straighten up behavior and then put it away for awhile. You don’t need to continue it forever, only when behavior starts to get sloppy again.

If this system still seems too complex, try a Consequence Jar instead.

Or, if you prefer a positive reinforcement system, you might have greater success with the Reward Jar system.