How should parents discipline their children?

Discipline is one of the defining elements of parenting. Through discipline, kids are taught to
become responsible, honest, kind and sharing people. By following their parents’ guidance, teachings
and rules, they have the chance to grow up to be well-behaved and respectful individuals. Discipline
and punishment are not the same thing. If you punish your child instead of disciplining him, you
probably wont get the desired result.

Parents who spank or swat their kids often believe it won’t hurt them. After all, they were
spanked by their parents. But a recent study shows that after such parents are exposed to the many
study findings showing corporal punishment’s negative effects on children, a significant number
change their opinion. Here are three reasons why discipline is better than punishment.

Punishment is about overreacting. The urge to punish comes from within when you feel hurt by
your child's behavior—you are looking to strike back and inflict this same pain, often overreacting to
the situation. In the heat of the moment, Mom or Dad might lash out in anger even raising a hand to a
child,instead of taking a deep breath and assessing the situation objectively.

Punishing doesn't teach lessons. Once you’re caught up in the punishment mindset, it's hard to
think rationally or be compassionate in considering how to discipline your child. And it doesn't help
your child learn right from wrong. What specific “lesson” does a yanked and twisted arm teach? But
treating a child with respect, talking to him and getting him to thoughtfully discuss the situation turns
his inappropriate behavior into a learning opportunity.

Punishment creates a fear-based relationship. Consider the type of relationship a parent develops
with a child and the example set in regards to problem solving. A parent that frequently punishes a
child establishes a relationship built on fear. If a parent is aggressive and unpredictable, the child will
become fearful and worry about what his parent will to do every time he makes a mistake. Moreover,
this fear and anxiety stays with the child later in life. He may be waiting to be hurt and for something
bad to happen.

Hence, learn how to discipline your child by correcting unwanted behavior, and teach positive
behaviors using discipline strategies rather than a punishment. It’s a loving, respectful and effective
way to help them.