Child discipline

The word “discipline� is derived from the Greek word “disciple� or the root word “disciplinare,� and suggests education, instruction, teaching and training. Discipline teaches children “age appropriate behavior and self control." A lack of discipline leads to behavioral problems, but conversely, too much discipline may lead to resentment and cause one unfavorable behavior followed by another (Leung, Robson, Lim, 1992). To discipline a child is to teach and show them what is acceptable behavior and what is not. It is to set limits but not to oppress the development of the child. Limits are established to protect children from harm and to keep them from harming themselves, others, or property.
There are several different methods and strategies parents can use to discipline a child, but all share the same basic goals: helping the child to achieve competence, self-control, and self-direction (Howard,1996). Successful discipline promotes age appropriate behavior that is socially acceptable and promotes respect for others as well. Exploring the various methods of achieving these goals will aid in a better understanding of ways to guide a child and encourage parents to evaluate their own styles

Parents can promote the parent-child relationship by being appropriate role models. Parents who are good role models make the best teachers of children because they are people that the children care about and want to imitate and please (Howard, 1996). Parents also need to make sure that the home environment suits the child’s needs. Warmth, positive parental interactions with the child, and emotional tone of the home are some characteristics of the parent-child relationship that have been found to be especially important in promoting desirable behaviors of the child (Howard, 1996). “The best source of good discipline is a loving family” (Leung, Robson, Lim, 1992).

Discipline is necessary to ensure the child will grow up to lead a productive and acceptable lifestyle through competence, self-control, and self-direction. Without appropriate role models, guidance, love, and attention, a child will not be able to adapt as quickly to the ever-changing world around him. The most effective forms of discipline incorporate consistent responses to the child’s behavior, positive reinforcement when appropriate, and punishment in non-physical forms. The ultimate goal of the parent should be to guide a child to be an independent, self-directed and self-motivated individual who can contribute to society and respect other people.

Of course, the kind of discipline a nurturer uses must be age appropriate. A sixteen year old who is given a time out, just as a five year old would be given, will react negatively to the parents’ demands and probably lose some of the respect he or she might have had for the parent. In this case, it would be more meaningful and effective if the parent had taken away some of the child’s privileges.

Discipline is not as simple as “To spare the rod is to spoil the child.” Discipline encompasses a complete system of expectations and role modeling, as well as positive and negative attention.