Why to Discipline Your Child With Love and Care
The term discipline comes from the Latin word 'disciplina,' which signifies teaching and education. When we think of discipline, we often picture a strict and harsh approach, whereas positive discipline suggests a kind and understanding way. Alfred Adler, who introduced a modern view on discipline, believed that children should be guided without punishment and treated with respect.
Many people mistakenly believe that discipline involves making children feel bad through yelling, scolding, or blaming. In reality, discipline is about guiding children, protecting them in their decisions, and encouraging them to think about their actions.
Positive discipline is a method that aids brain development and maintains children's physical and emotional well-being. It can also be viewed as a mutual learning experience between children and parents.
This approach is effective, correct, and tailored to each child's personality, steering away from punishment for undesirable behaviors. Positive discipline emphasizes the child's strengths and promotes support and encouragement.
What Positive Discipline Is Not
When we hear the word discipline, we might think of strict rules and obedient children. However, positive discipline is very different from this traditional perspective.
The principles of positive discipline focus on the positive and caring qualities of a child's personality. It aims to educate children in a way that respects their positive nature without causing emotional or physical harm.
The family is the child's first social setting. The initial relationships kids form shape how they see themselves and the world around them. Therefore, helping children develop socially and emotionally is one of the most important roles of parents.
Children naturally push boundaries. Parents should apply a positive discipline method that maintains respect and love in their relationships. This approach should be tailored to the unique needs of each child and family, using various strategies based on the child's age and development.
A child raised in a strict environment often struggles throughout life to gain acceptance, please others, and prove themselves. They may experience intense feelings of anger and shame and might associate love with suffering, affecting their future relationships.
When discussing boundaries and discipline with children, it’s crucial to consider their feelings and acknowledge them. Meeting emotional needs is vital in developing a healthy personality, and children must feel safe in their relationships.
Neglecting to show love and care while setting discipline can lead children to feel worthless. By fostering good communication and a secure learning environment, parents can take significant steps toward positive discipline.