Sometimes it hurts parents to discipline their children because we think that if we do it, they will stop loving us. There are parents who may be too “soft” or permissive, thinking that it is better for their little ones, but the reality is that they are doing their little ones a disservice.
The tree must be watered from a young age, it is said, and it is that just like a tree that we hope will grow strong and healthy, it requires care; children need the discipline to become successful people.
Parental fear
Normally, one of the greatest educational fears of parents is not knowing how to discipline their children correctly and that as the years go by, their little ones begin to have disrespectful behaviors.
Love of children also requires discipline and doing uncomfortable things like setting limits or disciplining when necessary. Parents need to know that being a figure of authority and discipline is a requirement for the good education of their children, although sometimes it hurts us emotionally because we think that we are not doing things well.
Discipline and children
Many parents have the misconception that disciplining their children means that they are afraid of them as if it were the only form of obedience that exists. Nothing is further from the truth; children do not need to be afraid to have good behavior. To establish norms, punishments are not necessary, but the consequences previously agreed upon are necessary so that children understand the need to be able to decide about their own behavior.
There are serious mistakes, such as believing that punishment is a beating or a reprimand is shouting. These errors that seem “normal” in times of discipline can have serious emotional and behavioral consequences for children as time passes.
Love towards children
Even if you have to discipline, what your children can never miss is to feel your love every day. Despite the fact that sometimes you get angry or have to scold them for their bad behavior, your love for them should never be diminished and that your children should see it daily. Children need constant love and attention in order to evolve properly. Establishing rules, norms, and limits are not at odds with love for your children.
Beware of favoring bad behaviors
There are times when parents inadvertently favor bad behavior, thinking that they are doing their little ones a favor. For example, if you buy everything she asks for or gives her all her demands, without realizing it and to avoid tantrums or arguments, you will be creating a capricious, selfish child, without empathy, irresponsible, and who does not understand discipline or authority. You will always want to get away with it, and this is not something that will benefit you in your future life.
Always with love and respect
Whenever you have to discipline, do it with love and respect for the person your child is. This way, they can feel respected all the time and will value the discipline you impose more. Make your child understand that each action has its reward or its consequences, depending on what he does and the option he chooses. This way, you will begin to learn how life works and will be able to make the right decisions both in the short and long term.