Healthy Kids • YMCA Child Care
The importance of positive discipline
11 October 2016 - by Cheryl - YMCA Child Care
For many parents, discipline is one of the toughest parts of the job. But it’s also one of the most important, because of its long-term impacts on our children’s view of the world and the way they treat themselves and others.
As a parent, we juggle many things in a day. Our increased stress levels from work and home life can cloud our judgement at times. We might lose our patience and may resort to taking these feelings out on our kids through punishments like yelling or punitive discipline. However, this can often do more harm than good, especially when compared to approaches based on the principles of positive discipline.
The difference between positive discipline and punishment
Positive discipline guides children away from danger, demonstrates self-control, and teaches them how to make appropriate choices. It also develops positive relationships between children and caregivers helps build confidence and self-esteem.
Punishment, on the other hand, teaches children that physical force is the way to solve problems. The parent has control and the child must always obey regardless of their needs or wishes. The relationship between children and caregivers break down and instills fear rather than respect.
The Canadian Paediatric Society strongly discourages the use of physical punishment on children. Parents who use positive discipline strategies to guide behaviour are more likely to have confident and cooperative children who are better able to make positive choices.
October is Child Abuse Prevention Month in Ontario. Read our other blog post about positive discipline for some useful tips for parents and caregivers. For more information about Child Abuse Prevention Month, and additional strategies, check out Boost for Kids and Caring for Kids.
As a parent, we juggle many things in a day. Our increased stress levels from work and home life can cloud our judgement at times. We might lose our patience and may resort to taking these feelings out on our kids through punishments like yelling or punitive discipline. However, this can often do more harm than good, especially when compared to approaches based on the principles of positive discipline.
The difference between positive discipline and punishment
Positive discipline guides children away from danger, demonstrates self-control, and teaches them how to make appropriate choices. It also develops positive relationships between children and caregivers helps build confidence and self-esteem.
Punishment, on the other hand, teaches children that physical force is the way to solve problems. The parent has control and the child must always obey regardless of their needs or wishes. The relationship between children and caregivers break down and instills fear rather than respect.
The Canadian Paediatric Society strongly discourages the use of physical punishment on children. Parents who use positive discipline strategies to guide behaviour are more likely to have confident and cooperative children who are better able to make positive choices.
October is Child Abuse Prevention Month in Ontario. Read our other blog post about positive discipline for some useful tips for parents and caregivers. For more information about Child Abuse Prevention Month, and additional strategies, check out Boost for Kids and Caring for Kids.
