Page 89 - e-magazine-Diya Academy of learning

STEPS TO TEACH YOUR CHILD SELF DISCIPLINE
An essential skill our kids need for future success is self-discipline. Having the internal
fortitude to tell themselves that if they focus for another 30 minutes on their homework
it will be done, rather than being distracted by other activities
Here are 9 steps that will get you on your way.
Start as you mean to go on. Start teaching your kids from an early age about good habits

and bad habits. At a young age, they can learn to put their toys away, and as they get
older, giving them chores and the responsibility to handle them without too much prompt-
ing.
There should be rewards and consequences. When our kids do well, praise and reward

them. Make sure it’s not false praise, though, it has to be earned. Similarly, there also
need to be consequences for not meeting expectations and bad behaviour. You can’t let one
incident slide, you have to be consistent.
Establish routines. Routines provide security for our kids and it helps them learn about
controlling their behavior. Emptying the dishwasher, completing their homework, making

their bed, picking up after themselves are all learned behaviors that lead to greater self-
discipline.
Teach them positive learning. Taking corrections without getting defensive can be hard
for kids. Teach them that we are all learning and that it takes confidence to learn from
our mistakes and to take it on board as constructive feedback.

You’ll need rules. Hand-in-hand with learning to take corrections, you’ll need clear rules.
Every family needs rules to function and your children need to know what they are.
Give them a process to learn by. Kids need a framework for how things are done, they
don’t just learn by osmosis, so take the time to teach them how to do something. A process
makes a complicated task more manageable, such as how to write an essay, how to solve a

long division equation, how to use Index cards to study for the upcoming history test.
Engage your kids in activities. The sense of accomplishment when your child learns to play
a song, or learns to swim, or learns their lines and performs at the school play, show them
that having the discipline to practice those activities has its personal rewards.

Tell them they will stumble. Self-discipline is not learned overnight. Heck, adults struggle
with this too. Tell your kids that they will falter, sometimes fail, but that they will learn
from their mistakes and to strive a little harder the next time.
You are being watched. Yes, you will have to be a role model to your kids. Show them that
you have learned self-control in your work, household chores and responsibilities towards
your family.

Priyenka S, Teacher