You may have met parents who have raised self-disciplined and successful children and wondered how they did it. Don’t be discouraged, there is no “hard and fast rule” about child discipline. Each kid is unique and requires a different approach… which can be overwhelming to say the least! If you are confused and don’t know where to start, you aren’t alone. Many parents find it helpful to consult with a child therapist to explore what approaches will work best for their child.

The Value of Discipline

Practicing positive discipline is an important way to help your child gain skills and self-regulation. This can support healthy development and even promote self-control. Healthy expectations and consequences can assist children in making thoughtful decisions and good choices. 

Having consequences for unhealthy behaviors can teach children values and allow them to learn to make choices that are right for them. This can also help with anxiety and other intense emotions. When children know what to expect and learn healthy skills they can feel safe. If discipline is positive, consistent and age appropriate it can be remarkably helpful.

Your Role in Instilling Discipline

It is “normal” to feel that you are responsible for your child’s happiness. You may have some influence over this of course, but one of your greatest responsibilities may be to get them ready for adulthood. Discipline can play a large role in this. 

We often think of discipline as punishment, which may seem like the opposite of making your child happy. This is not always the case. Teaching discipline also helps children to develop self-discipline which can lead to happiness in the long run. 

Saying no and allowing for consequences can be tough, however, it is necessary when it comes to raising healthy children. 

Appropriate Discipline Defined

While discipline may leave your child feeling hurt because of not getting what they want, it can also be helpful when the strategies you use are age- and temperament-appropriate. Your child is unique. Their temperament can affect the way they respond to your type of discipline. Hence it is important to understand what may work best for your child.

Therapy and Discipline 

Saying no to your child can be hard. Know that you aren’t alone in this and that there are professionals that can help. Working with a skills child therapist can help you to better understand your child’s behaviors and their disciple needs. 

There are so many approaches out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. A great place to begin can be with a skilled therapist contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC. 

Our caring and knowledgeable Scheduling Team takes the guesswork out of finding a therapist that is right for you and your child. Call CCS today to get started.

Related Articles:

• Winning the Battle Against Oppositional Defiance
• When Oppositional Defiance Has Gone Beyond What is Acceptable