The Effects of Disciplining Children
- Disciplining children from an early age teaches restraint and responsible behavior. When children misbehave, it is necessary to correct their actions and direct them in a more positive direction. Rewarding a child through praise, a smile or nod can help him learn good behavior, so it is important to give attention to the child who is behaving properly instead of letting the one who is misbehaving take all of your time.
- Effective discipline teaches values that will serve children well all of their lives. Modeling the values you espouse teaches children to operate from that place in their own lives. For example, if a child has misbehaved, talk to her calmly and ask what happened and why. Work out ways to address the problem together that help the child to be responsible for his behavior. Raising emotionally healthy and happy individuals is a by-product of effective parenting.
- Effective discipline nurtures a healthy child in body, heart and mind. Parents have the power to shape and guide their children so they will develop their natural strengths and lead meaningful, productive lives. Who they are and who they will become reflects the relationship parents develop with their children. Discipline is necessary to set and achieve goals, to diet and exercise and to develop sound work ethics.
- Children who are physically punished often deal with conflicts with physical violence. A 1994 study conducted by Missouri Western State College found a correlation between parental aggression toward children and child aggression toward peers and adults who take care of them. If a parent spanks a child for hitting someone, the parent is correcting a violent act with another violent act, which sends the wrong message to the child.