Overview Every parent or caregiver experiences moments in which children act out, especially as they grow and begin to test new boundaries. Create a structured plan to discipline children through behavior management rather than physical punishment. This type of plan can help you keep your child's actions--and your responses--under control. Benefits An established discipline plan can help your child understand the consequences of her behavior, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, or AACAP. Discipline also can help her discover the world around her, raise her self-esteem and help her become an independent learner. Behavior modification is based on behaviors, rather than psychological issues, such as a childhood trauma. It's aimed at changing behaviors, rather than changing the child. Caregiver Cooperation It's important for you, your spouse and family members to be on the same page when it comes to the rules of discipline. Don't attempt discipline without first deciding how to handle various situations, recommends the AACAP. Everyone who supervises your child needs to agree that discipline is about teaching him--not punishing him. Cooperating with each other will develop a sense of consistency and an environment of learning for your child. Behavior Modification Strategies The goal of behavior modification is to change the probability that your child will act poorly and increase positive behaviors, according to the University of Minnesota. To do this, try allowing your child to experience consequences without interfering. If your child drops her cookie on the floor, do not give her another. Use logic--tell her what will happen if she doesn't act a certain way. Follow through with what you say. For instance, you may tell your child she'll lose her video game privileges if she doesn't behave. If she doesn't comply, take her game console or handheld device away. Be stern, but don't yell. Focus on consistency--always follow through with your promises. Effective Discipline It's imperative that you trust your child within the limits of his development and life stage, according to AACAP. Reasonable requests are the only requests your child will be able to handle. Do not yell, name-call or scream at your child. Instead, talk to him in the manner you would want him to speak to you. Always respond with your consequences immediately. If there are gaps in time between the action and discipline, your child will become confused. Physical Punishment Behavior modification is a technique that requires logic and a level head. While parents often use physical punishment to change their child's bad behavior, it may not be the best technique, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Family Guide. No matter what the original intentions, physical punishment can quickly turn to abuse if a parent or caregiver loses control of his anger. It also has the potential of teaching children that it's acceptable to hurt others. Physical punishment of children also has been linked to a higher likelihood of the child hitting her own children or spouses.