The word “discipline” comes from the root word “disciple,” meaning to “follow in love.” That makes sense, since our role as parents is to be our child’s first teacher and disciplinarian.
It’s also an enormous responsibility. After all, as parents, we lay down the foundation for our children, giving them the tools they will need to flourish in society.
When considering behavior as a whole, there are multiple important things for parents to keep in mind:
You are your child’s mirror
. In you they find and develop their self-esteem. They are reliant on you to ensure they become lovable and capable human beings. Reflect their goodness.- Set aside time for them. In our fast-paced society, it is easy to be fully consumed in what we are doing. Even setting aside just five minutes a day to play with your child can truly make a world of a difference.
- Teach them the skills you want them develop. As adults, I think we sometimes forget that things have to be taught to children. Think about the adults you want them to be one day and the family morals and values you want to pass on, then create opportunity to instill those values and morals in them on a day-to-day basis.
- Accentuate the positive. Do you sometimes feel like you spend your entire day yelling? Focus on your child’s strengths. Focus on the good your child does rather than on the negative. See how it changes the tone of your day.
Parenting is one of the toughest jobs in the world, and The Parenting Center is here for you! If discipline is something you struggle with within your home environment, please reach out! We are here to help.
At $20, we offer parenting coaching by appointment, so call The Parenting Center to set up an appointment with one of our educators for guidance and assistance on how to incorporate positive discipline into your own household.