Teaching Discipline: Building Personalities Bit by Bit

Discipline constitutes the groundwork of a child’s principles. Without it, chaos prevails. Chaos leads to nothing, but a completely messed up life. Nobody would want that in their lives. If human beings do not observe discipline, the whole world will break down like a house of cards. Therefore, inculcating this virtue in your kids in their growing years is absolutely essential.

Is Discipline Contradictory to Freedom?

It is a common misconception that discipline and freedom are contradictory. Discipline certainly does not mean licentiousness, although it does not curb an individual’s freedom. It forms a delicate equilibrium between an individual’s freedom to do what he wants and the collective good. In fact, they are complementary. Therefore, teaching your kids discipline doesn’t mean taking away their freedom to do their activities. It would infuse in them the qualities that would form the framework for a better and unconfined future.

Discipline Should Begin at Home

Establishing and enforcing proper boundaries at home would restrict a child in a healthy way. It would cultivate in him the limitations that he should not overstep in any situation. Once a child becomes capable of interacting with his surroundings, parents should not waste time to control his behavior. The following could come in handy:

• Teach them how to handle different situations
• Help them form a strong vocabulary
• Organize a time-table for them
• Set a few basic guidelines for them to follow
• Teach them the necessities of tidying up their own rooms
• Help them understand the benefits of being composed and quick with their activities

Self-Discipline

Children would catch up on voluntarily maintaining a disciplined life once the ground rules are embedded in them.

• Rising early
• Paying attention in class
• Studying in an organized way
• Having an uncluttered mind
• Being a good human being

These are a few of the benefits your kids would reap as a consequence of self-discipline. Recently, the 80/20 hypothesishas been established regarding self-discipline. According to that report, “Self-discipline is one of the most important attributes we can develop – it is one of the 20 percent of skills that contribute 80 percent of results.” According to American psychiatrist, Scott Peck, “The two most important conditions for mental health are self-discipline and a well-developed ability to love ourselves and others.”

Do you think your children are lagging behind on this aspect? Here are a few tips to restore this virtue:

• Encourage your children to schedule a task and a deadline to it. See to it that they complete it by then.
• Try to divide their tasks into sub-tasks and allot time durations to them
• Prioritize tasks
• Track progress
• Ensure that your children do not act on impulse
• Make sure that they find at least 15 minutes in a day for yoga
• Encourage them to find an appropriate role model to idolize

Discipline and Education

As your kids enter the portal of schools and colleges and specific learning requirements are identified, discipline helps them to prepare for the real world waiting outside the protective boundaries of their institutions. I remember our school’s vice principal used to say, “The sun is unbelievably harsh outside the school. If you are not disciplined, your certificates would take you nowhere.” American Institute of Research (AIR) has come up with a strategy of Good Behaviour Games (GBG) to promote overall success of children within and outside the classroom. Discipline instils in us the mind-set to pursue proper education and attain success. A disciplined and successful adult is an example most youngsters want to emulate.

Perks of Enforcing Discipline

You must always remember that your children are not grown up as you are. They require your time and your patience. Every child is different. Comparison for the sake of competition is dangerous. Let your children be themselves. Maintain boundaries according to your children’s abilities and never overdo it. Refrain from physical punishment since your anger might harm them in ways you cannot imagine. It could be a visible scar or a deep-rooted one. You do not want that to happen. A good old scolding would never go out of fashion. Remember to always trust what you teach your children because that will reflect on their lives and generations to come.

Discipline, must never be imposed. It should be voluntary. The strength of a nation lies in discipline. It is like a rudder that guides your life giving it meaning and direction.