I despise yelling. Especially at children. Extra-especially if I’m the one doing the yelling.
I’ve had difficult parenting moments, as we all have, (even more so while managing my recovery from a brain injury), and I am not perfect. But, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve raised my voice at my child – and I credit that to the knowledge I have of positive discipline principles.
When most of us think of the word “discipline”, we equate it with punishment. Many of us who are old enough to be parents today were raised in households where punishment was the primary form of discipline – whether that was spankings, groundings, or getting yelled at.
What we don’t always acknowledge is that discipline actually comes from the latin word “disciple” and more accurately translates to teach.
Our job as parents is to teach our children: teach them how to behave in society, how to care for others, how to listen well when they should, and think for themselves when needed. It’s a tough gig.
Positive discipline is first and foremost built on a trusting relationship between the parent and child. In this relationship the parent and child are equal members of the family, who are both trying to work together for mutual benefit.
My little one is old enough now that consequences can be a part of her discipline. The difference is that we create meaningful consequences related to a particular behaviour together. My daughter, at three, is able to understand and help create her own consequences. I then simply enforce them with kindness, when needed – which isn’t often.
Would you like more information about positive discipline strategies? If so, ask your questions below in the comments!
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