Discipline; how to keep it positive.

For some parents, it may be hard to find a balance between discipline and punishment. Where is the line drawn? Well, I am definitely not even close to being a parent, but I found what I believe to be a few very good points about discipline that distinguish it from punishment.

First of all, there are means of disciplining that can promote self-worth. This could mean showing a child that you recognize and understand the reason they are doing something wrong. It means showing them you understand, "but," they shouldn't do it anymore.

Another way to go about this is to create a positive climate for the child. This simply means spending a lot of time with them, and praising them for good behavior. Kids always like to know when they are doing something right, and all they really want is for their parents to be happy with them.

There are also harmful, negative disciplinary methods, which aren't effective and should never be used. Forms of criticism and discouragement are not healthy for kids to hear, unless there is a positive message behind it. Blaming, shaming, or being overly sarcastic towards them is not good for their self-esteem. Kids are sensitive and highly impressionable. If they hear that at an early age, they will probably continue to think badly of themselves.