Discipline v. Punishment

Sometimes when children misbehave, adults will say they need consequences and "let the punishment fit the crime."  However, there is a big difference between discipline and punishment.  Punishment is a harsh consequence that is seen as a way to enact justice and may not actually change a child's behavior.  Kids actually need to learn how to be disciplined in their lives in order for them to mature into productive adults.

As parents, we know part of our duty is to instill discipline in our children.  When you think of the word discipline, you could also incorporate self-discipline or the idea of being a "disciplined" person.  In this sense, we can see that discipline also means purposeful training like someone working towards a goal or exercising to get their body into shape.  If you go to the gym, it's to discipline your body and if you avoid that 2nd piece of pie, you are being disciplined in your eating.  Many people show great discipline in their workplace as they toil away towards a specific goal which they are excited to celebrate eventually.

Disciplining our children is much the same way - it should be purposeful, with a goal in mind and to help children get into the "shape" of a productive citizen.  The goal of all discipline should be to train children how to behave and to shape them into the best version of themselves.  Discipline can take the form of logical consequences for behavior but should always include instruction too.  

Sometimes we forget that kids don't always know exactly how to be disciplined in their choices and actions.  They need repeated practice in order to get into shape so that means they may need frequent redirection and reteaching until they master that skill.  Don't be afraid to discipline your children as long as it is done in love and with a clear goal in mind.  We can all benefit from a little discipline sometimes!