Whether you are a parent of one or four, raising kids is never an easy task. No set guidelines or handbook can tell you how to raise your kids in a better way.
Every child is different and they need to be dealt with differently. Along with love, care and protection they also need to be disciplined when required.
Most parents might not enjoy this part of parenting, but discipline plays a crucial role in shaping your kid’s personality, helping them to do better in future.
Not every child has the same thought process and nature, similarly, not every child can be disciplined in the same way.
Here are 5 common types of discipline that parents mostly try with their pros and cons.
1. Positive discipline
This type of discipline is based on the praise and encouragement method. In positive discipline, parents often help the child find a sense of belonging in the world around them and try to teach them problem-solving skills to help them tackle the situation when they do not behave properly rather. Positive discipline is based on the concept of mutual respect where parents sit and talk to their little ones whenever they make any mistakes.
2. Gentle discipline
Gentle discipline is more about redirecting the problem for the time being to prevent kids from behaving badly. In this, parents, rather than yelling or punishing, use humour and distraction to deal with the situation when their kids demand something they do not like. It is a supportive teaching process. Like if kids refuse to finish their homework, parents would tell them the consequences gently and humorously and later help their kids figure out how to finish the work.
3. Boundary-based discipline
The boundary-based discipline is all about setting limits and clear rules. In this way of discipline, kids are apprised about the consequences of flouting the rule or misbehaving. According to the Child Mind Institute, setting boundaries is important to children not just to instil discipline, but also in other aspects. It is crucial that kids know that they need to respect the boundaries of others.
4. Behaviour modification
Behaviour modification discipline is a combination of both positive and negative consequences. Parents praise and reward the good behaviour of kids and misbehaviour is discouraged or ignored. Studies suggest that this strategy helps conditioning kids and unlearning bad behaviour. Some parents see this as bribes, while as per others it is an excellent way to raise kids.
5. Emotion coaching
Emotion coaching is showing empathy and being supportive to kids of their needs and feelings. Along with this, parents also set clear limits in this type of disciplinary method. Parents believe that children’s behaviours are based on their feelings and needs and it is important to teach them how to express these feelings and needs appropriately.
The bottom line
All five types of discipline have their pros and cons. But it is hard to say which one is the best and would benefit your child. What you should do depends on you, your kid’s behaviour and family. No single strategy can work on all the kids.
