How to Instil Discipline in Children Successfully

Parenting is a difficult role to play, especially when it comes to disciplining children. I believe that self-discipline starts at home. Only when parents teach children proper discipline, will they grow to become disciplined people in their adult life. Further self-discipline helps the children to make adjustments, view life more openly and most importantly in my point of view, makes them feel safe and cherished.

Discipline depends on the age of the child. The temperament and level of development also play an important role. The main objective of disciplining children is to safeguard and enable them to gain self-control. I think children also learn to be more responsible if properly disciplined.

One thing parents should keep in mind is that the children should respect their authority and heed their advice. Harsh or unjust disciplining, accompanied particularly by shouting or humiliation will make the child lose esteem and trust in the parent. 

To divert children from behaving badly, you can give them choices.  This freedom to make his own choice will certainly be appreciated by the child. However, I think that in addition to giving choices, you need to lay down certain rules that uphold the child physically and mentally. Try a calm and supportive approach to a child who is irritable or tired. In my opinion, bad behaviour often stems from the present environment of the child.

Disciplining a child should always be consistent. If parents keep changing their attitude, their children will cease to take note of their advice. Moreover, this may in fact encourage them to misbehave and make them more frustrated and confused.  Consistency is a major part of good parenting.

Another thing that I stress about disciplining children is being fair. The way a parent deals with a child should be neither too lax nor severe. The punishment given should be seen by the child as the direct consequence of his or her actions.

One way to instil confidence and positive behaviour in children is by spending valuable time with them. You can try hugging, gentle pats or cuddles, and make sure you appreciate the child’s good behaviour every time. If your child is angry or depressed, you need to find out the reason and understand them. In my opinion, the best way to teach a child good behaviour is for the parent to behave in the same manner.