Self Discipline For Kids

Have Fun, Create Life Long Habits And Unite The Family

What is self-discipline? Self-discipline has been defined as the ability to make yourself do what you know you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not! A disciplined person knows what has to be done and does it. They don’t put it off until later or allow themselves to be easily taken off track. And, most importantly they prioritise and focus on being self-disciplined with activities that move them toward their goals and highest values.

When teaching children self-discipline it is important to have fun and keep in mind that the idea is to establish routines that are followed for the entire week without deviation or distraction. And it is even more powerful when we as parents lead the way and be great role models of leading a disciplined life.

We want our children to pick up after themselves, to clean their rooms without being told, to study and do their homework on their own, and to be responsible for their extra curricular programs as well. We demand a whole lot from them! What do we demand of ourselves? What is most important for us to do in our day to ensure we lead a fulfilling life each and every day? Did we do those things today?

Taking the time to grow these life skills in our children is a great start. Having the courage to put our lives as parents under the microscope to review our level of self discipline is a powerful next step. Growing these life skills as a family, taking the time to talk about it and check in with each other unites families and transforms lives. Sharing these skills with our extended family, friends and associates grows a greater community for us all to enjoy together.

There are two kinds of discipline; Parent discipline- We constantly tell our children what they need to do! And Self-discipline- They take care of certain things without reminders from us! Sometimes just understanding this simple concept can point them in the right direction!

List all of their responsibilities that have to do with, school, home, extra curricular, and leisure time.  Have a discussion about all their responsibilities in those areas and share with them what your responsibilities are so they can learn more about how you apply self-discipline to your life. You’ll be amazed how much can be learned by them as children and you as parents.  Then, with their input, teach them how to prioritise. In other words make sure they know that homework and studying are more important than chores.  Remember the self-disciplined person does the more important goal-oriented activity first.

When your child understands what’s important by the goals you’ve set it will be easy to establish a comfortable routine for everyone to follow.  Your routine should include all the activities on your list. The more regimented you child becomes and the more you and him plan time for every responsibility in order of importance the more discipline he will have.  Just remember to stick to a fun routine so it becomes habit and therefore causes your child to want to be self-disciplined. And most importantly be sure to plan time for some family adventures and allow yourself to connect with your children.