The moment any group of parents gets together, the chat somehow zooms straight into behavior discipline. It’s like there’s a secret parent script: “So, how’s your child’s behavior?” And before you know it, everyone’s sharing stories about tantrums, homework battles, or “no screen time” disaster.
But, isn’t there more to discipline than just nagging about what kids do or don’t do? What if, instead of only worrying about whether kids are sitting straight and using golden words like “please” and “thank you,” we thought about discipline in a bigger, brighter, and way more fun way?
Let’s take a step back and see discipline not just as rules and restrictions, but as habits and mindsets that help our us grow, laugh, learn, and live fully. Before we jump on the behavior problems, let’s explore a whole bunch of other disciplines that parents of families can imbibe.
Discipline of Joy and Fun
Imagine if we made it a rule to find joy in every little-big thing-whether it’s a silly dance in the kitchen or a quiet moment watching clouds. Break some old rules, make new rules. Let’s get serious about having fun and making memories that stick. Joy is not optional-it’s mandatory homework!
Discipline of Being Silly
Who says grown-ups have to be serious all the time? Let’s embrace the silly socks, the goofy faces, the ridiculous questions that make us laugh. Make silly songs / poems, showcase your silly walk or declare a silly family day where the silliest wins? Because sometimes, being silly is the best kind of smart.
Discipline of Learning
Learning isn’t just for textbooks and tests. It’s everywhere! From the way ants march to the way rain falls, everything’s a lesson waiting to happen. Let’s not label the learning with quantity or quality Every little learning counts and adds up to big discoveries. Celebrate those “aha!” moments including when milk boils over .
Discipline of Curiosity
Let those questions fly! What spider webs are made of? How do birds know where to go? Curiosity is the brain’s way of looking at the world in awe. So, let’s rattle those minds, shake up the usual, and let curiosity lead the way-big or small. No question is too weird, and no answer is too silly.
Discipline of Acceptance
Let’s open our arms wide for all the wins and the oops moments. Acceptance doesn’t mean no debates or disagreements-it means we argue with love, listen with open hearts, and never shut the door on someone’s feelings. Don’t have separate doors for success and failure. Welcome both with the same warmth.
Discipline of Listening
Listening isn’t just waiting for your turn to talk. Listen for the sheer joy of it- no judgments, no finishing sentences, just pure, deep listening. Listen to silence and pauses. Try listening to your child’s stories-even the ones about imaginary friends and invisible dragons.
Discipline of Challenges
Accept the challenges from your child from playing online game with them or to have a race or trying a new sport or tackling a tricky puzzle. Challenging ourselves keeps life spicy. Have a high-five for every missed challenge and win some , loose some.
Discipline of Experimenting
Experiment with your thoughts, actions, and ideas. Try new recipes, new games, new ways of thinking. Experimenting keeps the fun alive and surprises coming. Not every experiment will work, but that’s half the fun.
Discipline of Observation
Pause and watch. Notice the little things without rushing to judge or compare. See the world with fresh eyes and a quiet mind. Pure observation is like giving your brain a mini-break. Try a family “quiet minute” and see what everyone notices-you’ll be surprised!
Discipline of Teaching
Got a cool trick or a new fact? Share it! Teaching isn’t just for classrooms. It’s about passing on what we learn and being open to learning back. Everyone’s a teacher and a student in this big, beautiful circle. Let your kids teach you something new-you might just learn the floss dance!
Discipline of Disagreements
Disagreements aren’t bad-they’re brain fuel! When we argue respectfully, we open doors to new ideas and better understanding. So, let’s have loads of disagreements, but keep them kind and curious.
Discipline of Wonder
Let’s not lose our sense of awe! Whether it’s staring at the stars, marveling at a rainbow, or just being amazed by how fast your child’s feet can stink up a room-wonder is everywhere. Make time to be amazed, together. Wonder keeps us humble, curious, and always ready for the next adventure.
Discipline of Behavior
And finally, the classic one-behavior discipline. But here’s the twist: once we’ve embraced all these other disciplines, behavior discipline might just take care of itself. Because when kids see parents engaging with them as joyful, curious, accepting, and listening, good behavior is just the happy side effect. Raising children isn’t just about correcting behavior-it’s about building a life full of joy, curiosity, acceptance, and a little bit of silliness.
Let’s make discipline a celebration, not a chore!
Here is another way to look at the discipline from Aarohi’s perspective