Develop Self-Discipline in the Child

As your toddler starts growing, so do his skills and his sense of curiosity. This is the time when he starts exploring the world and his own abilities. This is the time for you to develop self-discipline in your child by setting limits of behavior.

• Your child learns about his environment and the people around him as a result of his actions and your response to them. By exploring the limits that you set, your child will work out what is acceptable behavior and what is not.

• There are many ways in which you can help your child. One is by praising and encouraging good behavior such as brushing his teeth or remembering to wash his hands. By praising him you reinforce the message and motivate him further.

• Be firm about certain things such as aggressive behavior. Make it absolutely clear that hitting or hurting someone, breaking things in anger or any other kind of violence is not allowed. Explain this to him lovingly when he is calm. Show him alternative ways to solve situations. Even though he is small, he will eventually learn self control.

• Be consistent with the do’s and don’t s. By making these rules, you are instilling in him a lifelong habit of self-discipline which will help him develop a strong personality and a positive attitude.

• As a parent, you need to yourself understand what is right for your child and what is not. Remember, a child is not an adult. Jumping , shouting, running, playing noisily is normal for a child. You don’t need to discipline him for these natural activities just because you want to look good in front of people. Sometimes, he may cry or throw a tantrum simply because he wants attention. You need to understand why your child is behaving in a certain way and then act appropriately.

• Be patient with the child. You may need to tell him things again and again in order to instill them in his mind. Sometimes he may make mistakes. But he will slowly acquire self-discipline.

Children between 2 and 5 years need independence as well as your guidance and support. Getting the balance right is tricky. Children who are brought up without any limits often find it difficult to behave in a socially acceptable manner. By instilling self-discipline in your child you are teaching him the valuable lesson of how to adjust to the wider world outside the family.