We must remember that none of us is born a father or a mother. We all have to learn to be these roles. What we do not have to learn is to be children because we are all born children. It is a foolish parent who claims to know it all when it comes to disciplining children. These are the people who will make serious mistakes in their disciplining of their own children, and the consequences of their poor discipline may haunt their children for a long time to come. It is very important to pray for your children. This should be on a regular basis and in a positive manner. Some of us even prophesy over our children. The beauty of it all is that God answers our prayers for our children.
Expectations
As a parent, you should let the children know what is expected of them. Do not just assume that they know what is expected of them; tell them in no uncertain terms. Have a few rules and make sure that they are kept. The children must be made aware of these rules in advance so that they can keep them. It is unfair to suddenly make a rule because some child has misbehaved. Further, it is important to explain the reasons for the rules so that the children can understand and appreciate them. Ensure that other regulations and requirements are flexible to avoid unnecessary clashes with the children. Whenever an activity is deemed unacceptable by the parents, it is necessary to substitute it with an acceptable activity. Do not just stop an activity without suggesting an acceptable alternative to it.
Be a good example
Children must be encouraged to be thoughtful and considerate. This will be in relation to both their parents and other children. The best way of ensuring this is for the parents themselves to exhibit these traits. In many ways, our children learn how to be cruel or crude from us rather than from their friends outside the family. If we are thoughtful and considerate, our children will tend to adopt the same behaviour. Apparent should avoid excessive criticism. This will help shape the childrens behaviour in a positive and modest manner. Teach your children to respect other peoples property. The way you handle other peoples property will go a long way to discipline your children on the handling of other peoples property. Be a good listener. Children love to be listened to by their parents. Good parents love to listen to their children. In fact it will be quite difficult for a parent to know their children without carefully listening to them on a regular basis.
Let them have a say
Allow children a say in planning family activities. Many times, children have brilliant and innovative ideas about possible family activities. Further, children will enjoy more those activities that they will have suggested or contributed to in some way. Some parents are stuck in a rut and will always want to things the way they have always done them. The children may find this quite boring and unimaginative. When you allow children to suggest new ways of doing things, or allow them to suggest alternative things to do instead of the same old trips to the rural musha, you will be amazed at what they may suggest. You may even enjoy such new activities more yourselves as parents.
Post published in: Opinions