Discipline...Why a Bad Word

Discipline...Why a Bad Word?

Those, like our parents and aunts and uncles, who raised kids over the past couple of decades, are sad to see what a "bum rap" the word
discipline is getting these days. They think back nostalgically to people complimenting them because their children "were disciplined".

In the dictionary the definition for this much maligned word is...

Discipline (dis e-plin) noun: Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, esp. training that produces moral or mental improvement.

But what has changed? When did discipline become a bad word? There is certainly nothing in the definition of discipline that suggests abusive
treatment, spanking, shaming, yelling, screaming or generally losing one's marbles.

So why are we afraid of disciplining our children?
And why do we resort to bribing them instead?

Don't children need and want to be reigned-in? Isn't it a loving parent who sets limits on inappropriate behavior? Don't children become anxious when they are allowed to lose control, to hit, to scream, to throw the items out of the grocery basket, to use bad manners, to act out in school? Is it shaming a child to point out and correct bad behavior? No!

But it is a shame when our children approach adulthood without the necessary tools to be a welcome and productive member of society. It is a shame when our children don't have the skills needed to function appropriately in social settings, in school, and out in public. When parents establish behavioral standards, make
their expectations clear, and respond consistently when standards are violated, they are introducing the basic tenets of a civilized culture. Our children deserve no less.

Believe in starting early to shape our children. Support a loving, gentle, supportive, non-aggressive and calm approach to parenting and teaching good habits, respect for others, and manners.

So, discipline your kids, they will thank you for it...and so will their kids. And most important, love your kids up one side and down the other!

Happy Discipling...

Thanks Elena