Just because your kids are well-behaved, doesn’t mean they have self-discipline. Learning self-discipline is a life-long process and most kids might struggle with it at various times. Self-discipline is something that can be built and with it almost anything is possible. Self-discipline helps kids resist unhealthy temptations, delay gratification, and tolerate the discomfort needed to reach their long-term goals. From choosing to stop playing video games while learning online, to resisting the urge to sneak an extra candy when mom isn’t looking, self-discipline is the major key to helping kids become responsible adults.
Here are five simple tips to teach your kids self-discipline skills.
Provide Structure
Keep an organized, consistent schedule every day and your kids will get used to the routine. When they know what they are supposed to be doing, they’ll be less likely to get derailed by other activities. Plus, a morning routine helps kids know when it’s time to have breakfast, comb their hair, brush their teeth, and get dressed. An after-school routine teaches kids how to divide their time between chores, homework, and fun activities. And this will lead to a consistent bedtime routine, which helps kids settle down and fall asleep faster and easier.
Committed Determination
Persistence and determination are the major keys to success. Parents can teach their kids that seeing a commitment through to completion is a highly important character trait to develop. Outside distractions and changing emotions will always work against their primary focus. However, if parents teach their kids to keep those things at bay and stay on track, it will take them very far in their lives.
Give Consequences
There must be a consequence to failure and it must be enforced. For example, if your kids constantly forget to grab their jacket as they run out the door and you always deliver their jacket to the school. They won’t learn anything from their mistake. Facing the natural consequences of their behaviors might help remember to get his jacket next time. The important thing is don’t yell or try to force them into compliance. They just need to learn how to make healthy decisions on their own, by examining the potential consequences of their behaviors.
Shape Behavior One Step at a Time
Self-discipline is a process that takes time to hone and refine. Age appropriate strategies can be used to shape behavior one step at a time. Instead of expecting a 6-year-old to suddenly be able to finish his entire morning routine without any reminders, try using an illustration chart on the wall that depicts someone getting dressed, combing his hair, or brushing his teeth. When necessary, provide reminders to your kids to look at the chart until they are able to look at the chart and do each task on their own. Eventually, they’ll need fewer reminders and won’t require the chart as their self-discipline improves. Anything your kids are learning a new skill, help them do so one small step at a time.
Model Self-Discipline
Kids learn best by watching their parents. If kids see their parents procrastinating to watch TV instead of doing the dishes, they likely tend to pick up on their parents’ habits. It’s important to parents to pay attention to areas where they might struggle with discipline.
Meta Description: Learning self-discipline is a life-long process and most kids might struggle with self-discipline at various times. Self-discipline is something that can be built and with self-discipline almost anything is possible.
References: Helping children develop self-discipline. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2021, from http://www.effectiveparenting.org/tips4.asp
