Green light, red light, yellow light......

Oftentimes with children, if we can have a visual for them it might help them follow the rules a bit better. Green light, red light, yellow light can be visual reminders that create pictures in their mind that help us and them. It helps us to have a rule of thumb without having to shout commands at them. If we can say, "Yellow Light" which gives them a warning, maybe we can deter the negative behavior. Or if we can offer positive encouragement with many green lights, how great is that?

If you must say,"Red light", be ready to have the consequence and then follow through. The child must know that you mean what you say if you really want the behavior to improve. This method also helps with taking the emotion out of discipline which is always a positive.