What Kind of Discipline Do You Recommend?
“When it comes to types of discipline, what kind of discipline do you recommend? Don’t want to use physical punishments but I’m also wary of telling my kid off, in case it’s psychologically damaging”
It is completely normal to feel unsure about how to discipline your child, especially if you are trying to find a way that feels loving but still firm. The best approach is called inductive discipline.
Inductive discipline focuses on helping your child understand why a behaviour is wrong. This approach encourages thoughtful conversations, instead of punishing or saying “Because I say so”. So, every time your child misbehaves, you tell him why what he did is wrong and how he should behave next time. If you do this every time he misbehaves, over time your child will develop a strong inner moral compass. He will behave well not because he fears the consequences, but because he truly understands why what he did was wrong. Telling him off in a constructive way will not damage your child, on the contrary, your child needs you to set clear limits and boundaries. Our children need us to be their guides, they need us to say ‘no’, they need us to set limits. Setting limits for our children is a way of loving them. Telling them off in a constructive way is a way of setting limits and is a way of loving them.
You are absolutely right not wanting to use physical punishment. Physical punishment is never good for children. It does not teach them anything and it is negative for their mental health and their development.
I am leaving you here some articles that you will find useful and let me know if you want one-to-one support to discuss this further.
How to Discipline Your Child: An Age-By-Age Guide
Is Smacking Your Child Ever OK?
Let’s Be Honest: Who Doesn’t Ever Yell at Their Kids?
I wish you both all the very best.
Love,
Ana
