Discipline is a part of parenting. Certainly not the best part, but a large part of it.

John Wooden (famous UCLA Basketball Coach) said, "we must remember why we discipline." We discipline to to learn and grow, not to punish.

There are so many different "parenting strategies" - gentle, free-range, positive and the list goes on. No matter your style and whether you prescribe to a specific strategy there is some kind of discipline involved in your parenting.

I know I've reverted back to punishment style:
"Why did you do that?"
"Think about what you did!"

And I've done it to myself as well. I've punished myself for mistakes I made and stewed in my guilt.

This strategy didn't help me or my kids. It left both of us feeling upset and sad because we can't change the past.

We must remember why we discipline both ourselves and our kids. And that is for us to learn and grow and do better in the future.

Instead of punishing yourself or your kids; acknowledge the mistake and ask:
"What did I/you learn from this?"
"What can I/you do better next time?"

This puts you and your child in control. You can't change the past, but you can change the future. Discipline allows you to make better choices in the future while punishment leaves you hanging in the past.

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett