Disciplining a child is not something parents look forward to. The Kids Health website states that discipline allows children to learn the right behaviors and make positive choices. The goal of most parents and caregivers is to instill good values and let the child know there are consequences for misbehaving or doing something that's inappropriate.
Significance
Disciplining is an important tool for parents. It helps the child understand where authority comes from. It should be conducted in a manner that encourages positive self-esteem and constructive behavior. Children learn from their parents, and they also learn by example. A parent should be a positive role model to the child so that the child feels he is being taught, rather than punished. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) states that children need rules and boundaries so that they can understand right from wrong.
Principles of Discipline
While many parents have their own methods of discipline, the Children's Hospital Boston shares some of the main principles of discipline. Implement age appropriate discipline and reaffirm your child's behavior faults. Younger children may benefit from time outs while discipline with older children and teens may include grounding or taking away phones and computer privileges. Never reinforce bad behavior with reward, such as giving a child a snack to keep quiet during a tantrum. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also suggests that logical discipline is also effective. This may include taking away a certain toy if your child won't pick up after himself.
Benefits
The benefits of positive discipline are not only to teach children the right path to follow but to be able to deal with making the right decisions as they grow into adults. The American Humane website explains that parents who focus on their child's behavior, discipline with love and respect and respond immediately to their child's problems allow children to be respectful and well-rounded individuals.
Warning
Many parents believe that disciplining should be physical and carried out through spanking, shoving or physical labor. This can be dangerous because it can be considered abuse. Any type of physical harm done to a child can be deemed illegal in certain situations, according to the AAP. Mental abuse through name calling, belittling and threatening behavior can also be grounds for abuse. Effective discipline involves explaining the consequence to the child and following through with a time out or problem-solving session.
Effects
Discipline teaches your child self-control and allows them to think about the outcome of situations before acting on them. According to the "Principles and Practices of Effective Discipline," a brochure written by Elizabeth Gershoff for Phoenix Children's Hospital, if you are consistent with reprimanding and enforcing the rules, your child will be less likely to repeat bad behavior. Not all discipline works for every parent and child and every situation. Learning to communicate with your child and establishing an authority will help make them not only respect you, but other family members, adults and their peers.
