Discipline: It's Necessary

When I hear the word "discipline" I automatically think of "teaching." If I am disciplining one of my cousins or nieces I am teaching them what kind of behavior I expect from them, and what kind of behavior I will not tolerate. However I have recently discovered that not everyone thinks this way. Some people hear the word "discipline" and automatically think of punishment thus causing parents to actually give up on the idea of discipling their children which is actually detrimental to their growth and development. Hopefully after reading this post people will understand how discipline helps children and how they can discipline their children in their own way.

What Is Discipline?

This is not meant to force religion on anyone I just like the message

Discipline is about guidance and keeping children safe as they find out about the world around them. Discipline is also important for children to learn the values of their family and what is expected of them. Through discipline children learn what type of behavior is acceptable and what type of behavior is unacceptable. Although many of us were subjected to it when we were younger "discipline" does not necessarily mean "physical punishment" but it does include both punishment and rewards. It's actually very straightforward, yet there are still parents who do not know how to effectively discipline their children.

Punishment

Punishment is often thought of as a physical act and this is the aspect that causes some people to view discipline in a negative light. What these people do not understand is that although some people do allow the occasional spankings or popping (which is not wrong) this is not the only way to punish your children. Some non-physical ways to punish children include:

• Time Outs
• Lectures
• Taking Away Privileges
• Natural Consequences (Learn More)
• Logical Consequences (Learn More)

Rewards

Giving children rewards are a big part of effectively disciplining your children, it's actually more effective than punishments alone. However this does not mean you have to go out a buy something for your child every time they do something good. In fact, that is actually discouraged, you don't want to end up with a spoiled brat (YIKES!) Some of the different types of rewards include:

• Praise
• Tell your child what a good job they have done and give them lots of hugs and kisses. Kids respond positively to this because it actually makes them happy and makes them want to please you more.
• Toys
• You can either let them pick out a toy of their choice at the store, or give them a toy that you might have previously confiscated. Or, for those parents who rotate their children's toys, you can bring out a toy that they haven't seen in awhile.
• Treats
• Let's be real what child is upset when they're given sweets.
• Special Activities
• Allow your child to watch a movie of their choice and stay up a little later than usual. Maybe take them on a special trip, it doesn't have to be anywhere fancy, you can just go to the park down the street.
• Charts

• Some parents like to implement reward or point charts. After a child does something good they get a star, sticker, patch, etc. put on a chart that is in plain view. Once they receive a pre-selected amount they get some kind of reward. (This can also work for punishments. If they do something wrong the star gets removed from their chart and they lose a privilege. This is a great method for parents with multiple children usually ages 5 and up.)

Different Types of Parents

Parents

It's important for parents to understand that their children will mess up and do something wrong. Children are naturally curious so it's apart of their nature to get into things and unfortunately it's usually things we would prefer them to leave alone. It is a parent's job to correct the negative behaviors and in order to to do this you must first understand what kind of parent you are and what kind of child you have. To figure out what kind of parent you are and how to correct it click HERE. To figure out what type of child you have and the best way to discipline him/here click HERE. You may also find it helpful to discipline children based on their age, more information on that can be found HERE and HERE. 

For a little fun try this Baby Personality Quiz.