Discipline: An Introduction

Setting boundaries and expectations—and enforcing them with discipline when needed—is required for the healthy development of your children. By viewing discipline as teaching your child, instead of punishing your child, you can help your child develop responsibility, self-esteem, confidence, and a positive personal identity. Having clear, consistent boundaries also helps children feel safe and secure.

Did You Know?

• Only 48 percent of teenagers surveyed indicate that their family has clearly defined boundaries, which includes having clear rules and consequences and having parents that monitor their teens’ whereabouts.
• Girls are more likely than boys to say that their parents keep track of their whereabouts. A full 86 percent of girls (and 77 percent of boys) say their parents ask where they are going and who they will be with most or all of the time. ¹

It can be difficult—and sometimes impossible—for parents and children to agree on boundaries. And disciplining your children is one of the least fun parts of parenting. But having boundaries and understanding discipline are key to your child’s future success, so you should put some thought into both. While you may never be able to completely agree on all of the boundaries and discipline in your family, you can take steps to ensure that you’ve set fair, acceptable boundaries and enforce a proper amount of discipline.