Inculcating self-discipline in children during the early years of growth and development is a must. Below are five steps to inculcate self-discipline in your children.
Provide your child with an atmosphere where structure and routine are given importance, it will teach them what is expected. Let there be a similar timetable and make sure they follow it every day. For example, along with morning routine, there should be an afternoon routine also so that your child learns to divide other chores efficiently as well. Also, do not overlook the bedtime routine as this teaches children the importance of rest in everyday life.
Teach your child to make healthy choices in life from a very early age. When children will understand the reasons for the rules, they will follow them in a better way. The best way to educate your child and instill self-discipline in them is to model the behavior. Children follow more by observing than listening. Instead of saying, “Go to bed now because I said so,” explain the underlying reason for the rule.”
If your child forgets the same thing every day, let them face consequences naturally. Sometimes kids need to learn on their own through consequences. For example, if your child struggles to get up in the morning, let them go to bed earlier. Do not force your child, instead make them aware of the negative consequences and give them the choice. This will help them to make healthy decisions after evaluating the consequences.
Self-discipline is a process that takes years to develop and refine. Use age-appropriate discipline strategies according to the age of the child. Instead of expecting a 5-year-old to suddenly be able to do his entire morning routine without any reminders, use a picture chart on the wall that depicts a child brushing his teeth, combing his hair, and getting dressed. When necessary, provide reminders to your child to look at the chart until he/she is able to look at the chart and let them do the tasks on their own. Eventually, they’ll need fewer reminders and won’t require the chart as his self-discipline improves.
Whenever you see your child developing the self-discipline, praise them. Often good behaviors get unnoticed. So, praise the good behavior of your child and help him/her develop the habit of making good choices in life.
In addition to the above steps, you should work along with your child on teaching specific problem-solving skills. For example, if a child is struggling to get ready in the morning, let him/ her have their dress and other stuff ready the night before.