"Don’t fail to discipline your children.

    The rod of punishment won’t kill them."

Proverbs 23:13 NVI.

Every action produces a consequence, whether good or bad. A child without rules or discipline turns into a reckless adult - acts without thinking and only gets into trouble.

Even if your child doesn't appreciate it now and thinks you're a bore, never fail to correct or be firm with your words.

Did you promise they'd go a day without watching television? Comply. Just don't do one thing: promise a punishment you know you won't give. 

It demoralizes you, the child will not believe you when you say "Behave yourself or forget about your favorite food for a long time." and will disobey you in your face.

Don't pamper too much, otherwise they will grow up thinking that everyone has an obligation to fulfill their every wish. When they get a reality check, they won't respond well.

This does not mean that you should never, under any circumstances, give a toy, take it for a walk, etc. It's good and it should happen, but everything in moderation.

Don't do anything beyond your financial condition if your child asks you for something you can't afford. Take the moment to teach them how to save!

"I can't give it to you now if you want. I can give it to you "x" for a week and you keep it until you have enough for it and we come back for you to buy it."

Give an allowance, a low amount - 1 dollar at minimum. Thus, you will encourage your child to value and take care of what he has and to be someone responsible (not to spend more than he receives, to avoid debt).

If your child tries to be "smarter" and comes after you because he's already spent his allowance on something else, asking for more money... Don't give anything. Just say "wait for next week."

The kids you see around, throwing a tantrum because they didn't get what they wanted and breaking their toys to protest - they do this because they were never taught to wait to get something. They grew up not hearing a "no" and that's the result, they don't care about anything they have.