How to Discipline Your Son or Daughter 101

You have a responsibility to guide your child and at times oppose what he or she wants. Parenting is not a popularity contest. When you say “NO,” you may get lots of opposition – but that’s OK. Your primary interest is in what is “good” for your son or daughter, regardless of whether he or she can recognize the wisdom of your decisions.

However, ALL discipline has to rest on bedrock of love. Your son or daughter must feel your care, love, and dedication to his or her well-being. And when this is true, your parent / child relationship is healthy. And if this is the case, even though in the moment your NO maybe resented and resisted, your overall positive relationship in the end will carry the day.

When a parent has not developed a “healthy” relationship with his son or daughter, then attempts to discipline will be perceived by the child as unfair, mean and self-serving. The result: This will weaken a child’s naturally healthy self-esteem. He or she will feel you are rejecting and uncaring. If this describes your situation, you are advised to still say “NO” when necessary – but immediately start to repair the overall feeling of your relationship; from one of hostility to one of love. Doing so will repair and go on to build strong self-esteem in your child and significantly contribute to a happy childhood and successful life as a future adult.

Be the best you can,
Abe