Every child needs to be disciplined. Every child must behave in a manner acceptable to others. Every child must  know the defined limits of his freedom. So, sometimes, when a child either breaks a rule or misbehaves, punishment becomes unavoidable. But, punishment is not the final solution to make a child polite  and perfect. Physical punishments such as slapping, hitting, etc.  make the child more defiant and aggressive, rather than offering any solution to the basic problem. Strong punishment, in most cases, affects the child’s mental health and reduces his confidence level.

The vedic principle goes as thus:-

‘Lalayet panchabarsani

Dasabarsani tadayet,

Prapte tu sodasebarse

Putram mitramibacharet’.

This means caress and nurse upto age 5, from 5 to 15 set him within rules and discipline. From 16 onwards behave with him as a friend.

Parents can use the following guidelines to instill a sense of discipline in their children.

1. Observe consistency in your children’s behaviour and activities. Avoid practicing overindulgence and overprotection, filled with extreme strictness and punishment.

2. Make your child aware of his odd behaviour  and wrong deeds.  Try to make him  realize his faults.  Give him 3 or more chances to change his attitudes. Reminders or warning sometimes may be given to the child before the child is actually punished. Do not give threats  if you don’t  intend to carry them out.

3. Do not punish your child for accidental mishaps. If your child does a mistake by chance,  do not scold him but tell him to be more careful next time. Such encouragement will make the child more responsible.

4. Ignore minor and unimportant incidents. Similarly, demands for necessary items should not be denied without appropriate consideration.

5. Do not  punish your child for behaviour that may be part of his normal development such as occasional bed-wetting, thumb sucking or tantrums.

6.  Emotional punishment is the most effective disciplinary technique. This involves not talking with the child for some time or for some days, isolating him for a brief period of time in his study room or at the dining table. However, never withhold food or water from the child.

7. Withdraw your child ‘s privileges temporarily, such as not allowing him to watch his favorite serial on TV or playing with his friends for some days. This can help the child to understand the results of his wrong action.

8. Never make the punishment severe or prolonged as it may lead to a feeling of insecurity, hostility and repression in your child.

Do all these. Your child will have a  healthy, wealthy and  glorious childhood. “Spare the rod, spoil the child”, is not the solution in present time.