It takes discipline to keep order in the family and bring up children who are good citizens. According to the Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service, discipline teaches children self-control and how to be responsible, think for themselves and become good citizens. According to the Psychology Today website, the way you discipline your children will determine how they discipline their own children in the future.
Time Out
When a child starts to lose control and act out, a time out can give him an opportunity to think about his behavior. If he's been in a fight with another child or exhibits aggressive behavior toward a playmate, one or both of them might benefit from sitting in a chair, isolated from other children, to cool off. A time out also can work when your child is disobedient or refuses to do what you asked. Some kids need five minutes, while others need more time. After several time outs, many children learn to cool off on their own.
Facing Consequences
Another method of discipline is to allow the child to face the consequences of her actions. This means not getting involved and rescuing her from something that might cause emotional or physical pain. For example, if she throws a ball and breaks someone's window, she has to pay for it. If she is careless and breaks a toy, she does not get a replacement.
Reward and Penalty
Many parents use the reward-and-penalty form of discipline. When the child behaves in an acceptable manner, he is rewarded by, for example, a special treat, an outing or lifting a curfew. But when he misbehaves, he is penalized by, for example, not being allowed to visit a friend. According to the Mental Health America website, rewards also can include verbal praise and increased responsibilities.
Physical Discipline
Some parents still use corporal punishment when children misbehave, in spite of the studies that show that it often results in anti-social behavior. According to the American Humane website, spanking or any other form of physical punishment causes fear, angers children, increases aggressive behavior, damages the parent-child relationship, lowers self-esteem and teaches children that violence is acceptable. Even when physical discipline appears to work, it doesn't teach children what is expected of them.
