All children attempt to bend the rules and misbehave at times. Discipline in these situations is an important component of parenting. When carried out in a way that will encourage better behavior from a child, discipline can be very effective. The potential outcomes from discipline should foster better behavior and increase a child's ability to determine right from wrong.
Misconceptions
Discipline is different from punishment and each method can result in separate outcomes. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, punishment of a child focuses on what he did wrong and shows the consequences of his behavior. Punishment may foster obedience initially, but it does not teach a child how to behave in general. Discipline not only corrects a child's actions, but teaches him a better way to behave so that he learns how to act. Discipline respects the personality and individualism of a child while gently steering him toward proper behavior.
Considerations
Physical discipline, such as spanking for misbehavior, is often used to teach a child how to correct negative conduct. Although it may work initially, spanking increases the likelihood of aggression in children. American Humane, an organization dedicated to protecting children, states that spanking a child increases his anxiety; decreases agreement with a parent and empathy for others; decreases a child's self-esteem; and teaches him to respond to negative situations with violence.
Methods
There are several methods of discipline that bring positive outcomes in child behavior and seek to improve development while encouraging appropriate responses. The NYU Child Study Center lists several positive techniques parents can use to discipline a child. Setting simple rules for a child and stating them clearly to avoid misunderstanding; ignoring a child's negative behavior to avoid giving attention; and giving a child choices in decision-making are all helpful methods that can bring positive results. Overall, the most important aspect of discipline is for parents to model disciplined behavior themselves. Children look to their parents as role models. Regardless if behavior is positive or negative, a child will still learn habits of discipline from her parents.
Outcomes
Discipline is important for kids to understand the boundaries set by parents. Appropriate discipline results in a child learning self-control and learning from her mistakes. According to the NYU Child Study Center, outcomes of child discipline should be to teach a child to do the right thing so that when she is older, she will act appropriately because she has learned proper behavior.
Benefits
Positive discipline outcomes can strengthen a family unit. For parents that choose to respond to their child with positive discipline by regarding his needs and promoting independence, a child learns better behavior. Parents may then continue to use the same forms of discipline when they see that their methods are working and the results are encouraging.
