The parent of a child who has had numerous hospitalizations asks the nurse for advice because her child has been having behavior problems at home and in school.

The parent of a child who has had numerous hospitalizations asks the nurse for advice because her child has been having behavior problems at home and in school. In discussing effective discipline, which is an essential component?

a.
All children display some degree of acting out and this behavior is normal.
b.
The child is manipulative and should have firmer limits set on her behavior.
c.
Use positive reinforcement and encouragement to promote cooperation and the desired behaviors.
d.
Underlying reasons for rules should be given and the child should be allowed to decide on which rules should be followed.

ANS: C

Using positive reinforcement and encouragement to promote cooperation and desired behaviors is one of the three essential components of effective discipline. Behavior problems should not be disregarded as normal. It would be incorrect to assume the child is being manipulative and should have firmer limits set on her behaviors. Providing the underlying reasons for rules and giving the child a choice concerning which rules to follow constitute a component of permissive parenting and are not considered an essential component of effective discipline.