Disciplining Children the Right Way

Disciplining children is something that all parents never want to do but the concept of it represents a part of growing up. It is important if you want to bring your children up to be respectable adults but it is important that you don't fall into the mistake that many people do, which is to confuse discipline with punishment.

So what exactly is the difference between punishment and discipline? There is basically one fundamental difference, which is that punishment is simply imposing something unpleasant on someone who has done something wrong, whereas discipline involves instruction; with it you are sending the signal that the child's actions were wrong; however on top of this you are also instructing your child as to why their actions were wrong. This is highly important as you are teaching your child right from wrong, which will stop a repeat of their actions in the future. You need to ensure you make all of the following clear when you come to discipline your child:

• What the action was that your child did that was wrong
• Why this action was wrong and/or inappropriate
• What actions should be selected instead
• Why it is important to respect others and their property
• Why it is important to behave appropriately and responsibility

Remember children are more than likely to copy the actions that they see from the adults that are around them so by setting rules and boundaries you are teaching your children to be respectful and knowing what is acceptable and what is unacceptable. There are many different experts and opinions who tell you different theories on how to impose discipline but the thing you need to remember is all of these forms have the same common goal; which is to teach children to act appropriately and responsibly.

Teaching your child right from wrong is the equivalent of teaching them what is considered socially normal and acceptable. If you are imposing a form of discipline on your child however there are a few things that you should keep in mind such as avoid shouting; you should remain calm and explain what you are doing. Also as hard as it may be don't give in to crying tantrums and make sure that you apply the same routine every time your child's actions are out of order. It is however also vital that you praise your child when they deserve it.

When your child acts in way that deserves praise you need to make sure that you emphasise how proud you are of your child. You should keep a record of these acts and then reward your child. A good way to do this is to keep a chart and add a sticker to it whenever your child does something good. This teaches your children that good things come from good acts and bad things come from bad behaviour.

Discipline is a hard thing to impose but sticking to it is the only way to give your child the best concept of right and wrong. Just remember you are in control and make sure your child remembers this too.

Lisa Mills is runs a website offering toys and gifts for children. http://www.the-imagination-station.co.uk is a site offering children's gift ideas.