DISCIPLINE THAT WORKS

As parents, we most times look out for the best of our children and at that point, discipline can become a challenge. In this post, we will explore some effective ways this writer thinks is best to discipline children and also guide them not to repeat that same action or portray that same behavior again. This is my response to the first edition of the hivelearners topic for this week. So, without further ado, let’s quickly explore some effective and efficient ways to discipline children.

_{Disclaimer: This user is not a parent yet.}

If you would agree with me, children are people who are still developing in so many areas to be an adult. They barely know their left from right and they are very inquisitive about a whole lot of things, both the ones they voice out and the ones they kept to themselves. Due to their delicate nature, they are always bound to make some mistakes and as a parent, we most times forget that they are still learning and need our guidance, instead we lash on them from every angle at every choice they make.

No matter what a child have done, as a parent we should be more focused on helping that child see what he or she has done wrong and provide a way for them to save themselves and also avoid ever going back to doing that same thing again. As much as we can, we should always set boundaries for them and also be included in that boundary too. By so doing, it will be easy to know what we don’t expect of them and also help us bear in mind that we all make mistakes and the least we can do is help each other rise again after we’ve fallen. Never make your children see you as an hypocrite, it will only make matters worst.

When your children do something disappointing, let them know the consequences of their actions. Make sure you know it and don’t hide it from them. After you’ve done that, give them the best solution out of that problem and allow them face the natural consequences of their actions. Don’t try to cover up a bad behavior of a child. At first you will think you are doing that child a good and you love him or her so much but then, it’s only a matter of time before you will start regretting you shouldn’t have shielded them. And depending on what the consequences are, always remember that you as a parent we have a part in it too and make them understand that too.

When your child does anything right, no matter how little it might be, always acknowledge that action by getting them a little gift or treating them to their favorite snacks or drink you don’t normally buy for them. Just make sure they know that you are watching them and you appreciate it to see them put in the effort to be the best little humans you are trying to train them to be. This will go a long way to helping them know the things that are right and wrong and also guide them to do better.

When a child does something wrong, try as much as you can to not immediately vent out your anger on them. Maybe give them an assignment or send them on an errand just to give yourself time to think things through, knowing fully well they have done something you are not happy with. While that child is doing that assignment or running that errand, it gives them more time to reflect on their actions and also gives you the time as a parent to align your thoughts and know the next best thing to do.

If you want your child not to repeat those mistakes again, try as much as possible to stay consistent with your rules. If you keep changing things, it will make them think it is not necessary and they can make certain mistakes over and over. And always make sure you give your children the best choices to make. Because if you don’t, they will find it hard to trust your judgment on things and start keeping things to themselves. And most importantly, as parents, we should always be the model of what we want our children to be. Don’t just talk the work, work the talk. When your children see that you can do those things, it helps them believe more that it is possible and not just a myth.

Acknowledge them when they are putting in the effort to do better and not only when they finally get it right. Always show them physical affection by hugging them and cuddling them to make them feel safe with you. Let them know that the mistakes they have made is only to help them learn and grow but they might not get a second chance to learn from a mistake so it’s best to learn from other’s mistakes and in worst cases, their first mistake. And always avoid using cuss words on them. They really do not deserve it.

I believe that by implementing these ways of disciplining children, it will go a long way in disciplining them in a way that they won’t think of making the same mistakes twice.

Thanks for reading through. ❤️

_{Images used are mine}