A few tips from preschool teachers on how to effectively discipline your child.

1. Redirect. If your preschooler is jumping on the couch or grabbing a toy away from his sister, distract him by asking if he'd like to read a book together or draw a picture.

2. Prevent meltdowns at goodbyes. If your child is nervous about spending time apart, give her something to remind her of you. Give her a tissue that you kissed or a picture of you and put it in her pocket. Having something physical to touch may help her feel less anxious and help prevent a meltdown while you are gone.

3. Involve him in righting his wrongs. If he knocks over his brother's block tower, ask him to help rebuild it.

4. Don't delay discipline. If you have to discipline your child, do it when you see her misbehaving. Cancelling a trip to the zoo on Saturday because of a tantrum on Thursday won't prevent future outbursts. It will just feel like random, undeserved punishment for your preschooler.

Source: Lamb, Marguerite. "20 Tips for Parents from Preschool Teachers." Parents.

Go outside into the sunlight.  Light stimulates brain chemicals that improve mood. Not getting enough light is one reason people feel tired.

Go for a brisk walk. Studies show even a 10-minute walk can increase energy and decrease tension.

Act with energy. Trick yourself into feeling energetic by moving quicker, moving while you are on the phone and put more energy into your voice.

Listen to a favorite upbeat song. Stimulating gives you an instant lift and is one of the quickest ways to affect your mood and energy level.

Create a "happy" wardrobe. There is a strong link between wardrobe and mood. Based on a study conducted by psychologist Karen Pine, PhD, wearing clothes we associate with positively can help when we're feeling down. In the study, women felt good in figure enhancing clothes and bright colors. This study simply shows that we instinctively know what makes us feel good, so we need to focus on creating a "happy" wardrobe. 

Surround yourself with upbeat, positive people.  According to physician Susan Biali, MD, the author of Live a Life You Love, often our insecurities and inner negative thoughts come from voices of pessimistic people from our past. Keep cheerful company. "Optimism is a learned skill," says Dr. Biali.

Take time to daydream and reflect. Boost brainpower by disengaging during relaxation. It has been shown that reflection and daydreaming can make you more attentive when doing tasks.

References

• Rubin, Gretchen "Find Your Happy Place." Good Housekeeping. June 2012 Published: 107-108. Print.
• Prevention.com. November 2012. December 2012. Winter 2012.

Here are a few ideas from preschool experts on how to promote independence in your child.

1. Expect more. In the preschool classroom, teachers expect children to hang up their coats and sit quietly during story time. Expect the same at home. Raise the bar and your child will probably stretch to meet it.

2. Stop yourself from doing what your child can do himself. Yes, it may be quicker and easier to do it yourself but it won't help to make your child independent.

2. Don't redo what your child has done. Don't smooth the sheets after your child made his bed. He will notice your actions and it may discourage him from making his bed again.

3. Let her solve simple problems. Pause before helping your child put together a toy. Character-building moments come from these simple problem solving tasks.

4. Assign a chore. Confidence comes from being in charge of a regular, simple task like watering a plant or taking the clothes out of the dryer. Make sure the chore is "real work" - not busy work - because you want your child to feel like a capable, contributing member of the family.

Source: Lamb, Marguerite. "20 Tips for Parents from Preschool Teachers." Parents.