Discipline is heart food for your child
Posted: May 7, 2009What is discipline ?
It is a process of training that encourages consistent behavior. It keeps the child on track, and sometimes puts them back on track. It comes from the Latin word” Disciple” - one who is a learner. Parents are the teachers, children are the disciples.
Discipline does not mean punishment. Disciplining is a heart training. It is best done by the parenyts. Values - based discipleine urges children to treat other people the way they want to be treated.
There is an old Jewish proverb that states” Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.” In this aspects, it means educate. It does not mean training or punishing.
The message is clear. In order for yor child to learn, your job as a parent is to teach.
Proper discipline is the healthy food to physical development too.
Communicating instruction is as important as the instruction itself:
1. Accenture the Positive
We need to communicate the positive manner as much as possible, though words of restraints are also necessary at times. If there is something you do not want your child to do, then communicate your desire of restraint by speaking in favour of what you want done.
Example:
Instead of : Don’t spill the water.
Consider: See how carefully you can carry your cup.
Instead of : Don’t get out of bed.
Consider : Obey Mummy and stay in bed.
Instead of : Don’t hit your brother.
Consider: You need to show kindness to your sister.
Instead of : Don’t chew with your mouth open
Consider: Chew quietly with your mouth closed
Instead of : Don’t leave a mess for everyone else to clean up.
Consider: Be responsible and clean up after yourself.
Most of the instructions have value and is most effective during periods of nonconflict. We must not miss the point that when providing moral instruction ( like correcting a behaviour0, we must not miss out telling them what to do instead of emphasing and telling them what not to do.
