From 0 to 10: Experts rank the best and worst ways to discipline children

According to pediatrician Dr. Ravi Malik and developmental behavioral pediatrician Dr. Himani Narula Khanna, disciplining children can be a daunting task. To simplify the process, they've ranked various methods of discipline from 0 to 10, based on their effectiveness.

At the bottom of the list is physical punishment, which receives a score of 0 out of 10. Dr. Malik and Dr. Khanna both agree that physical discipline increases aggression in children and lowers their self-confidence. While it may temporarily bring compliance, it fails to lead to genuine learning and can harm the child's emotional well-being in the long term.

Positive reinforcement comes out on top with a score of 9 out of 10. This approach involves rewarding desired behaviors to encourage their repetition. Dr. Khanna considers it the gold standard in parenting, as it builds confidence, strengthens the parent-child bond, and improves self-esteem. It leads to better learning outcomes compared to other methods.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is shouting at the child, which receives a 1 out of 10 rating from Dr. Malik and Dr. Khanna. Shouting lowers the child's trust and confidence in their parents. Although it may work in the short term, it often results in anxiety and avoidance rather than genuine understanding.

However, the highest-ranked method is gentle explanation, scoring a perfect 10 out of 10. This approach focuses on calm communication and helps children understand consequences, develop emotional regulation, and feel secure in their relationship with their parents. Dr. Khanna fully endorses this method as the best way to discipline children.

Threatening the child, whether with the threat of police or imaginary figures, scores a low 2 out of 10. Dr. Malik and Dr. Khanna both express concern that this method can lead to separation anxiety, night terrors, and persistent fears as the child grows up. The fear instilled in the child can damage their sense of safety and trust, potentially causing issues like separation anxiety and night terrors in the future.