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How to Encourage Self- Discipline in Your Child?

How to Encourage Discipline in Your Child

In today’s world, if the average working man or woman is not disciplined in his/her habits and work, there is very little chance of success. And even if success does come, it will be fleeting, because of lack of discipline, they would not be able to hold on to success. Now success can be both material and non-material, but that is for another day. The final goal of discipline is to approach self-discipline, an elevated level of consciousness where every decision taken is for the greater personal good.

9 Ways To Encourage Self-Discipline In Your Child

1. Set Clear Rules and Consequences

Establish simple, age-appropriate rules for your child and consequences for breaking them. Be sure to explain both in a way they understand. Consistency with applying consequences helps reinforce rules.

2. Praise Good Behavior

Notice and praise when your child demonstrates positive behavior and self-control. Praising good habits reinforces discipline. Phrases like “Thank you for waiting patiently!” are impactful.

3. Model Desired Behavior

Children are observant learners. Model good behavior like keeping calm during stress, managing time effectively, and speaking politely. Practice discipline yourself.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement through rewards is more effective long-term than punishments. Offer small rewards for acts of discipline like completing chores without reminders.

5. Teach Problem Solving

Help your child develop skills to resolve simple conflicts themselves. Provide guidance but have them come up with solutions. This builds discipline and critical thinking.

6. Avoid Over-Scheduling

Leave time for free play in your child’s schedule. Overbooking activities can create stress and leave little time to practice self-control. Maintain balance. There should be a similar schedule for every day, including holidays. The kids should be encouraged to wake up on time, wash up, and have breakfast at a scheduled hour. The after playschool routine should also be structured, with minimal television time, because that is an addictive pastime that can quickly go out of hand. There also should be a fixed time to go to bed, so that children learn early on the importance of rest and sleep.

7.  Learn to Make Good choices

Your kids have to learn how to make good choices and this starts early in life. It is beneficial if you exert authority but at the same time make them understand the reason behind each rule. This way, they will understand that it is there for their well-being and you will face the least amount of rebellion when it is time to enforce any rule. Lengthy explanations are not necessary, just a quick and logical answer will suffice.

8. Natural consequences

Natural consequences are also great teachers in life. For example, if your toddler is too rough with the video game controls and they break, he/she will learn that they have to be gentler next time round. Start getting them to practice packing their own little playschool bags with their favorite toys and tiffin, this will auger well for later, hectic schooldays where time will be of the essence, and good habits inculcated earlier will stand your child in good stead.

9. Self-discipline

Self-discipline is something that takes years to perfect and many adults themselves are not disciplined enough. So take it slow and easy, and make your child learn one rule at a time instead of overwhelming them with everything one fine day. A big, colored chart with timings and activities will be of much help.

The key to encouraging discipline in kids is consistency, praise for good behavior, modeling your own self-control, positive reinforcement, and teaching problem-solving skills. With time and a loving approach, your child will develop habits that will serve them well in life.
SIS Prep in Gurugram prides itself on excellent ethics and discipline when it comes to activities in the play school. Though children are allowed to explore their natural tendencies, there is an underlying routine to it that prevents things from going out of hand.

March 13, 2023