Discipline should not become the domain of just one parent. Mothers and fathers should both participate in the disciplining of their children. Mothers should not threaten their children by telling them that they will get into trouble when their father gets home. Discipline should be carried out immediately after the disobedience occurs so that the child will connect the disobedience with its consequences. If parents wait until later, the child may have forgotten why he got into trouble, and feel that the parents are not justified in disciplining him.

(1)   Putting your child in the bedroom. When the child is disobeying he should first be warned that you are going to put him in the bedroom if he doesn't obey. If he continues to disobey, take him to the room immediately. Do not keep repeating warnings. For smaller children, you will probably have to sit in the room with them; for older children, they can sit alone. If they are crying or yelling, don't let them come out until they stop. Also, teach them that they need to apologize before you let them out. If they apologize, show your happiness and quick acceptance. For those children who whine and cry for everything, it is good to teach them that they will be sent to the bedroom when they whine and cry. They should not be allowed to whine and cry in the living room where they will disturb others.

(2)   Showing your disappointment. If you have established a good relationship with your child, your being disappointment with him will have a great impact.

(3)   Withholding privileges. Not letting the child go out to play, ride his bicycle, or use his skates, for  example. Threats to do this are useful only if the child believes you.

(4)   Giving rewards. These could be compliments, sweets, toys, or anything else that your child likes. Two words of caution, however. First, rewards should not become bribes. You should not tell your child, "If you obey me, I will take you for ice cream." Rewards should be spontaneous on your part to show your appreciation for your child's actions. They should not be expected by the child. You should say, "Since you have been such a good boy today, I'm going to take you for ice cream." Second, you should be careful that your relationship with your child does not become a marketplace where he expects to get a reward from you for everything he does. You should, however, teach him that even though he doesn't always receive a reward from you for his good actions, he might receive one from Allah (SWT).