Many parents of our generation (and younger) have a difficult time disciplining their children. This is mainly because we view discipline as something negative, a necessary-evil, if you will. Few parents (if any?) relish the idea of disciplining, and those who do... well, maybe we gotta wonder why.
At a recent parenting seminar led by a seasoned therapist, the audience was encouraged to consider discipline opportunities as gifts. They were invited to change their perceptions on discipline, and as such, their abilities to be leaders as parents. The therapist challenged the participants to pause when facing a moment ripe for discipline and treat that moment as a blessing.
See, according to the therapist, when we discipline firmly, we re-state and refresh our commitment to helping shape our children into productive, honest, resilient individuals.
By considering the best way to discipline, and embracing both the power of "no" (see previous post on the book Power of a Positive No) and our responsibility as the parent to use the term wisely, we can teach our children self-restraint and help them build inner-strength to move past obstacles. These traits are key to becoming thriving adults. With the right discipline under their belts, the well-disciplined child will become a resilient and accomplished adult who faces adversity with confidence.
The implication here is that we need to be clear with our intentions and actions: if our child should be disciplined, should hear the word "NO" and should be listening to and respecting adults, then why do we refrain from providing firm and committed discipline? Are we lazy as parents? Are we fearful of our children, when they should fear *us*? Are we too selfish to bother putting our children's needs before our own?
Being a parent is: Hard. Work. No. Doubt.
But we owe it to our children to be resilient leaders. Perhaps if we step up to the plate, they will learn by example.
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