Exercising discipline might be one of the hardest things to do as a parent. This is because discipline forces you to become the “bad cop”, when that’s really the last thing you want to do. We all want our kids to love us, and perhaps there’s a fear that if you’re too hard on them, they’ll resent you for it. That said, there are some ways to teach discipline in a positive way, and here’s what they are.
Time Ins
We all know about the classic “time out”. But time outs, while certainly based on discipline, can also harbor feelings of banishment and rejection. Instead, consider giving your child a “time in”, which is essentially the same thing except you spend time with them. Together, you work through whatever the issue is.
Be a Positive Role Model
This goes without saying, but if you’re a disciplined individual yourself, your child will be that much more likely to be that way as well. If you tell your child to act a certain way but then proceed to do the exact opposite, you’ll be perceived as a hypocrite and your child will only be more confused as to what’s right.
Empathy and Communication
Finally, the best way to be disciplined is to actually hear where you child is coming from. Instead of forcing all the bad behavior out of them, seek to understand where it’s coming from in the first place. This will not only foster mutual respect, but also help them grow in the process.