When we think back to our childhood, the method of teaching discipline was completely different. Those of us who grew up before 2000 know that a large part of our parents' discipline was caning, strict discipline, and harsh punishment. Even if we made a small mistake, there was a scolding, and beatings were also used. Our teaching method was direct—if we made a mistake, we would be punished immediately. As a result of this method, we learned a lot, and that discipline remains with us even today. Because, the mistakes for which we were punished in childhood, we did not make them again when we grew up.
But times have changed, and the method of teaching discipline has also changed. Nowadays, parents are much more educated and they think that teaching by beating is not the right method. Today's children do not receive physical punishment like before, and in many cases, they are not even given loud scolding. Today's parents are very sensitive to their children, they want to teach discipline through understanding and love. In my opinion, this is definitely a positive aspect. However, there needs to be a fear of discipline, so that the child understands what is right and what is wrong.
I personally believe that it is not right to stop disciplining children altogether, nor is it right to punish them excessively. If spanking is part of a discipline, it should never be cruel or humiliating. But will children correct their mistakes by simply explaining without spanking? That is the question. In this case, I think that children learn by watching us. There is a saying— "Heaven for the honest, destruction for the dishonest." The way we behave in front of our children, they will learn the same.
If we are patient in front of children, speak softly, listen to their arguments and be disciplined, then they will gradually follow suit. But if we get angry, shout at the slightest thing, or cannot control our emotions, then children will also learn the same behavior. So children should not only be punished, but also change their own behavior, so that they can learn something good from us.
If children go out of discipline or develop bad habits, then we must first find out where they are learning this behavior from. From their friends, TV, the Internet, or someone in the family? If we find the root cause of the problem, then it is easier to correct it. It is not enough to just tell the child 'this is wrong', but it is important to explain why it is wrong. Spending time with the child, listening to their arguments, and teaching them with patience can be the most effective discipline method.
In a word, discipline does not only mean strictness, but also love, understanding and guidance are also part of discipline. In our childhood, there was strict punishment, which taught us a lot, but nowadays it will be most effective for children to adopt a balanced approach. So that they can grow up as naturally disciplined people, not through fear or force.
