You attempted to discipline your child, but they simply ignored you. It’s possible that your kid doesn’t react well to kid-friendly discipline.
Learning How To Punish A Child Who Doesn’t Care is tricky.
It’s so difficult for a parent when their child doesn’t care about consequences to their actions.
For instance, they might send them for a time out but then find they continue their poor behaviour when they return.
Or they might not show emotion when you do tell them off for their bad behaviour.
It’s frustrating to parents who want to ensure their child doesn’t make the same error in judgement next time.
After all, you might feel like they are not taking you seriously when you punish them.
Therefore, here is how to punish a child who doesn’t care so that in future they do learn from their error.
Related: Strong-Willed Child Discipline Techniques
How To Punish A Child Who Doesn’t Care
1. Be consistent with punishments
If the punishment doesn’t work the first time, try it again.
A lot of the time the child needs to realise that they will consistently get in trouble if they act a certain way.
They might think the first time you tell them off about a particular thing, it will be a one-off that you won’t follow through with.
So they act up again and make the same error as they don’t take you seriously.
Therefore, to make sure it’s an effective punishment, do continue with the same punishment.
They will soon get fed up of not being able to play with their friends or unable to watch the television.
And as it says on Young Parents, don’t make empty threats.
Your child needs to know a certain punishment will definitely happen to ensure they don’t act out again.
Therefore, make sure the punishment happens straight away and stay firm that this will happen, whether your child likes it or not.
2. Work with others
It’s so important that parents work together when it comes to punishments.
A lot of kids act like they don’t care about consequences as they know one parent will give in.
Therefore, they ignore the parent knowing they will be able to work around the other parent.
To ensure your kid does take the punishment seriously and changes their behaviour, you need to both be on the same page.
That way, your child knows they can’t get away with the action and is told off by both parents.
The same works with grandparents and other family members.
Make sure they all act the same way and the child will change their behaviour.
3. Try positive reinforcement instead
If you find your child doesn’t listen during punishments and doesn’t care about their actions, it’s worth thinking about using positive reinforcement instead to teach their kid and stop their poor behaviour.
A lot of parents are turning to this as a way to teach their kids about how to act.
They find it changes their behaviour a lot more than using punishments.
After all, they are learning they get a positive reception if they act a certain way.
So they are less likely to act out with poor behaviour as they know they won’t get punished if they are good.
It’s easy to carry out positive reinforcement during the day.
For instance, if your child is playing well with others, praise her for treating other children with kindness and respect.
And if they are polite and well-behaved when out, make sure they know how pleased you are.
How Do You Punish A Child That Doesn’t Care – Further Tips
1. Get your child’s attention first
Before you start talking to your child, make sure that you first have his or her attention.
You have probably realized that barking orders at your child from across the room are not getting you anywhere.
This is because you are connecting with the child.
Instead, move closer to the child and get down to their level.
If their attention is either on the screen or something else, try touching them and make small talk on what they are doing.
This will get you their attention and connection, which will then make it easy for you to communicate with them.
Once you have the child’s attention, look them in the eye and tell them what you need to do.
According to brain research, when humans feel connected to one another, they are more open to their influence.
It is also imperative to note that this strategy is different from manipulations.
You are not manipulating the child. Instead, you are acknowledging their presence and respecting them.
Since children imitate what they see, you should act surprised or irritated when they use the same technique on you.
Be ready to listen to them when they need to tell you something.
2. Fewer words work best
Using a lot of words will dilute your message, and probably lose your child’s interest in the process.
When giving out instructions, use fewer words to communicate, and they will listen.
3. Keep calm
As much as it is upsetting to keep giving orders and no one is paying you any attention, it is worse for you and the child when you do not stay calm.
When you get upset, your child will feel unsafe and will immediately go into flight or fight mode.
When this happens, the child loses interest in what you are saying, and your message will not get across.
What you can do is to remain calm and try engaging with the child to see what the issue is.
4. Listen to your child
Being an adult and the parent does not give you the right to stare at your screen and not pay attention to your child.
Remember that you are a role model, and by not stopping what you are doing to listen to the child, then you are showing them, it is okay to do the same.
5. Set a routine
To save you the effort of telling your child to do something over and over again, make it a habit like brushing teeth in the morning and before going to bed.
The more they do it, the less you have to drill it into them.
Parents that ask “How Do You Punish A Child That Doesn’t Care” should always have a plan to put into action when things get tough.
If you follow the above guidance and implement these steps you should see an immediate difference in your child’s attitude.
Here’s a quick video on How To Discipline A Kid That Doesn’t Care.
Related Post: How Often Should Grandparents See Their Grandchildren
Mo Mulla is a work from home dad who enjoys reading and listening to music, He loves being a dad and husband to a growing family. He also loves writing about his passions and hopes to change the world, 1 blog post at a time!
