Parent to Parent: Creative correction

Kids can be a joy, but they can also be a handful!

That's why parents need to know the right way to discipline.

Maureen O'Brien, parenting coach
"I think the number one thing parents can do is think about correction as a positive thing."

And Mom Sarah agrees.

Sarah Finnerty, mom
"Also, I think positive re-enforcement. That means something to him, because then I'll see that good behavior again after that."

Experts say include kids in the disciplining process.

Maureen O'Brien, parenting coach
"You sort of treat them like they're an expert, because its their problem to solve."

Parents should use things that kids can relate to.

Sarah Finnerty, mom
"Sean has an obsession with superheroes, so Spiderman, Superman, Ironman, Mutant Ninja Turtles. So I tell him that they eat their dinner before they eat dessert and that they get up and get ready in the morning when they have to go fight the bad guys."

Experts say never use harsh punishment.

Maureen O'Brien, parenting coach
"Physical stuff, like putting hot sauce on the tongue, those kinds of things, and my personal rule is I would never do anything to a child that I think would cause them harm."

The best advice for parents is to keep it positive and creative and in time your kids will respond.

Sarah Finnerty, mom
"Just relax and not focus too much on particular pieces of advice and just do what works for you."

(Copyright (c) 2008 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)