3. Don't delay your discipline.

When your child throws a tantrum in the mall or playground, don't wait until you get home, then attempt to correct her misbehavior. She would have forgotten about the incident by then! Instead, a better strategy would be to take her aside, explain to her on-the-spot why what she did was wrong, then dole out a consequence.

4. Don't use bribes.

While it's fine to reward your child for good behavior (say, giving him extra Oreos for eating his veggies will give him the positive reinforcement he needs), giving in to your child's bratty behavior isn't. It's never okay, for example, to tell him that you'll buy him something if he stops crying. Children quickly learn that throwing a tantrum will get them attention - and a new toy, warn experts.