DISCIPLINE TECHNIQUES , DISCIPLINE METHODS

What is DISCIPLINE ? It is an organized regulated orderly way of life. It means helping the child to become a happy , outgoing , expressive , cooperative individual helping him recognize his feelings & expressing them in acceptable ways . he must learn to conform to the expected patterns of behavior & customs in an acceptable manner , use freedom wisely & distinguish between ‘ safe’ & ‘unsafe’  actions .

Techniques :

AUTHORITARIAN

Characteristics of authoritarian technique :

-         strict rules & regulations

-         no freedom of action, thought & movement

-         too much emphasis on perfection

-         making too many decisions for the children

-         constant criticism of wrong doings & nagging

-         no respect for individual rights

-         expecting unattainable standards

-         little or no recognition , praise or other signs of approval when child meets the expected standard

-         no relaxation in or control of corporal punishment

-         depriving the child of opportunity to learn to control his own behavior . 

 Authoritarian mode of discipline will definitely make the child conform but the apparent ‘ goodness’ conceals a  resentment which will break out  sooner or later .

They might :

-         assert their independence by doing many wrong things which they would otherwise not do

-         behave & feel that the world is hostile & thus become hostile

-         show rebellion / revolt

become resentfully submissive & obedient

-         be hypercritical toward authority

-         fear punishment more than others .

-         become sullen / obstinate / negativistic

-         become insincere .

-         learn to be sly , secretive & dishonest to avoid punishment

-         become an introvert .

Children brought up in an authoritarian manner generally don’t grow up to be balanced adults they might exhibit extreme revolt or great submissive conformity. These are the children who as adults turn to their parents / any other significant elder to make the slightest decision – what to wear , what to eat , etc. they generally grow up to have a wavering mind . This is sometimes most apparent from childhood itself . their desire to please might be very high which might exhibit itself in many ways such as – bed wetting , stammering , stuttering , forgetfulness , excessive blinking , aversion to food not wanting to spend time with adults.

A child as young as 2- 2 1/2 years might exhibit one / more of these symptoms.  

PERMISSIVE :

Permissive disciplinary technique employ little or no discipline .

-         there are no limits or boundaries for the child to act within

-         the child can make his or her own decisions & act on them in any way he pleases

-         there is too much leniency 

  Under the influence of permissive disciplinary technique children might –

-         get confused & become insecure

-         have no concept of right / wrong

-         excessive aggressiveness

-         resentful – feel that adults care little / not at all for them

-         be unmanageable in school / neighborhood

-         might not be welcome thus not have many friends . 

DEMOCRATIC   

Democratic disciplinary technique are synonymous with education & counseling  they emphasize growth self – discipline & self control

Characteristics :

-Explanation , discussion & reasoning to help the child understand why he is expected to behave in a certain manner

-Punishment only at appropriate times when he/ she refuses to do an act

-No harsh punishment

-Rewards & praise when he / she comes to expected standards

-Careful planning to channelize energies

-Appropriate motivation to live up to expectations 

Children brought up with democratic disciplinary technique would :

-         achieve desirable personal & social adjustments

-         develop independence in thinking

-         develop initiative in action

-         be active & outgoing

-         be spontaneous in behavior

-         achieve healthy , positive , confident self concept

-         have better self control

-         deal with obstacles in a positive way

-         be more approachable & friendly 

How a child reacts in a situation reflects the disciplinary method adopted by the adult

A child brought up in an authoritarian atmosphere will be scared to explore & approach fearing reprimand

A child from a permissive background might be rowdy in his approach

A child with a democratic up bringing will systematically approach & explore the situation

copyright@ Author Sheetal Kapoor - Freshbuds, Mumbai