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| "Mr. Discipline," the paddle in Split Infinity, a movie set in 1929. |
The word discipline has 9 different definitions, but the one most of us think of is punishment. A more appropriate definition is an "activity, exercise, or regimen that develops or improves a skill; training to act in accordance with the rules." It should be training, and not punishment that springs to mind.
As I now prepare to be a mom, I admitted to myself that I'm nervous. No matter how much confidence says "you can handle that," my heart freezes in place when I see children ruling the roost while the parents try and try to combat unruly behavior. That could be me, I think. But then I see parents in similar situations with kids that are obedient and respectful and think what do those parents do differently?
Kids aren't cookie cutters. I'm not kidding myself-- I know for certain that every child will throw unique curve balls that Mom has to sort out and that each child requires different handling. But I also know some parents have smarter strategies that deliver more positive outcomes. In the interest of boosting my confidence I'm determined to discover as many of those as possible before my foremost title in life is "Mom."
3 comments:
As Elder Maxwell used to remind us- Discipline and Disciple come from the same root.
I haven't read it yet, but my friend Tammy highly recommends the book "Parenting with Love and Logic" (I think that's the book)
http://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Love-Logic-Updated-Expanded/dp/1576839540/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1284593681&sr=1-1
Her 3-year-old is really well-behaved. I look up to Tammy a lot.
I'm currently reading a book about raising kids who know how to work, save money and be independent. I'm only two-thirds of the way through it, but the author gives some fabulous examples of how to teach children work ethics (chores are a normal part of family life), financial savvy (saving for college and mission, and tithing), and independent living. Fabulous read!
It's called "The Parenting Breakthrough" by Merrilee Boyack. I'd share my copy, but it's one that I'm discovering I'd like to have on hand. :) Amazon has them cheap.
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