How much discipline?

[daycareguru]

I'm curious to hear from others that are visiting this forum to share experiences of how to administer the proper amount of discipline to kids.  I operate a daycare business from my home watching 4 children (2 are infants).  I'm always very careful not to be too harsh with children, but I want to get my point across at the same time.  I'd like suggestions from others.  

For example, one of 3 year olds simply will not eat, sleep, or basically do anything I ask without throwing a fit.  Can anybody offer up any suggestions?  Thanks!

[littletots]

I was having problems with my dcks 4 & 5 year old boys.  I had to enforce my rules a little better. I first post the rules and when they broke one we went to the rules and read them.  I give one reminder for somethings. But as for hitting and such the go straight to timeout. I have also used the lose of an activity if they will not do something.  Like if it takes to long to clean up or they are playing at the table we may not go outside. I tell them the longer it takes the less time they have for an activity.
Hope this helps
Amy