Today's Tip for Families

[En español]

04-27-2023

Develop Your Child's Self-Discipline

There's an old proverb that says, "If you give a man a fish, he will eat for one day. If you teach him to fish, he will eat for a lifetime." When you help your elementary schooler develop self-discipline, you're teaching your child to fish.

As adults, we don't have people standing over us all day, every day. There are many responsibilities that we must assume for ourselves—getting up on time, getting to work, making sure our families are fed. We do those things because we have the self-discipline that allows us to manage our own lives.

Cultivating that same self-discipline in children starts by having a clear set of rules—and then sticking to them. When parents consistently enforce house rules, children are usually relieved. (Of course, they'll grumble a bit.)

Hold high expectations for your child, and explain them clearly. Then be sure to offer praise when your child lives up to your expectations. You might say, "I am so proud of you. You remembered to feed the dog every day last week without being reminded. You are very responsible."

Point out the ways in which your child benefits from following the rules, such as by earning other people's respect. If someone compliments your child's behavior, pass it on. Everyone likes to have their efforts noticed!

As your child grows older, you will probably need to adjust your rules. It's OK to give children a little more freedom—as long as they prove they can handle it.


Brought to you by:

West Point Consolidated School District

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