The Need for Disciplining Children
Our Schools
Table of Contents
Let’s begin with accepting the truth that ‘discipline’ isn’t the other word for punishment. The Latin origin of the word discipline is ‘to teach’. Disciplining your child means teaching them responsible behaviour and self-control. An undisciplined child is often an unpleasant company and finds it difficult to make friends, thus impacting their people skills and social life. Child behaviour experts believe that discipline is as vital for healthy child development as nutritious food, motor skills, cognitive and physical exercises, and other emotional needs. It is not only good for your children but also necessary for their happiness and overall well-being. Especially for school-age children, it is extremely crucial to learn how to manage their behaviour and regulate their negative impulses.
Without discipline, children lack the tools necessary to navigate relationships and challenges in life such as self-discipline, respect for others, and cooperation with peers.
Benefits of Disciplining Children
- More likely to engage in positive behaviours that are beneficial for themselves as well as others
- Disciplined children tend to be more confident, and have the drive to do well in life
- Learn accountability and self-control early on in life
- Learn social skills that are important for making friends such as empathy, patience, and knowing how to share
- Their sense of entitlement is largely countered
- More likely to understand what appropriate behaviour is
- Respect their parents or other authority figures
- Learn to accept instructions and behave like a team player
According to Dr. Himani Narula, developmental and behavioural paediatrician, director, and co-founder of Continua kids says, “shouting and physical violence can worsen the situation, and hence, it is important to talk and learn some positive strategies to discipline children. A positive disciplining strategy can help develop a positive relationship and set expectations based on the behavioural outcomes.”
Disciplining is built on talking and listening, therefore aims to achieve the following:
- Educates the child on appropriate behaviour under different circumstances at home, school, a friend’s house, or in a public place
- Teaches them to manage their behaviour and develop important social skills
- Helps them understand, manage and express their feelings
Here is How to Discipline a Child
According to a study by UNICEF, Indian parents resort to shouting, pinching, denying food, hitting, or practising physical abuse as ways of disciplining their children. A vast majority of pediatricians in the US do not recommend physical punishment or corporal punishment and studies further corroborate the fact that corporal punishment can have deleterious side effects.
Duncan et al recently reviewed periodic surveys of members of the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) and noted that between 2003 and 2012, paediatricians had increased their discussions of discipline with parents. By 2012, more than half (51%) of the paediatricians surveyed responded that they discussed discipline in 75% to 100% of health supervision visits with parents of children ages 0 through 10 years.
Here are some tips from the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) and UNICEF on the best ways to help your child learn acceptable behaviour as they grow.
The AAP recommends positive discipline strategies that effectively teach children to manage their behaviour and keep parents from harm while promoting healthy development.
1. Plan one-on-one time
Quality time, more importantly, one-on-one time is crucial for building any good relationship with your child.“It can be 20 minutes a day. Or even 5 minutes. You can combine it with something like washing dishes together while you sing a song or chatting while you’re hanging out the washing,” says Professor Cluver. “What’s really important is that you focus on your child. So, you turn your TV off, you turn your phone off, you get to their level and it’s you and them.” Remember, the most powerful tool for effective discipline is attention. Every child craves their parent’s attention. It helps reinforce good behaviour and discourages bad behaviour.
2. Catch them being good.
Parents are often quick to find faults in their children’s behaviour. Sometimes children may read this as a way to get your attention which in turn could lead to poor conduct. The truth is that the child thrives on praise as it makes him/her feel special and loved. When parents notice good behaviour and praise them for their efforts and accomplishments, for example, “Wow! You did a good job putting your toy away!”, it makes children happier and more disciplined.
- Set clear limits.
Setting limits teaches children self-discipline skills. If you say, “It’s time to stop watching the TV/tablet and do your homework,” you are teaching them self-discipline. Even though watching their favourite shows may be more fun, it’s important to teach them to be more responsible. Set clear and consistent rules that are age-appropriate.
- Explain the consequences.
When your kid doesn’t behave, try explaining the consequences as a friend. For example, you could tell them that if they do not pick up their toys, you shall put them away for the rest of the day. The most important step in this process is to ‘stick to the threat.’ Do not give in by returning the toys when the child fails to follow the instruction immediately. Beware to not become over controlling or thoughtless in the process; never take away something your child truly needs, such as his/her food.
5.Hear them out.
Listening is an art and every parent must learn. If your child is narrating an incident from school, firstly do not interrupt them, secondly listen with total curiosity. Until the end, refrain from making any kind of judgemental remarks and try to analyse your childs’ thoughts or behaviour in certain circumstances.
Research states that listening to your kids makes it more likely that they listen to you. It also helps the child build a bond with you and develop trust in you.
6.Be open to accepting all kinds of behaviour
Rather than anticipating certain unacceptable situations you might find your child in, be open to making mistakes, understand where they are coming from, and guide accordingly. Children are not just in a bad mess but are also observant of handling themselves in such situations. They notice how well you approach and resolve such issues and learn to deal with them accordingly. Make them self-reliant, explain the consequences to some extent and do not force your fears on them. Instead, have a friendly and thoughtful conversation with them.
Children are indeed your reflections, and so is the environment they live in. The more discipline they see on a daily basis, they tend to mimic the same.
Role of School in Disciplining a Child
Children spend about one-third of their day at school. Their teachers, the peers, and school atmosphere play an influential role in shaping the young minds. A school which not only disciplines a child but is innately disciplined hugely impacts and eases their introduction to the discipline life.
Discipline in children aims to materialise a healthy attitude and a positive and mindful state-of-being.
Progressive school learning theory and educational philosophy is a strategy toward an enhanced disciplined life at school. Ekya Schools embodies the spirit of collaboration and togetherness while allowing the space for an individual to grow as a self-disciplined and self-reliant individual. The school aims to nurture the habits of mind and heart of young ones. Henceforth, educators, infrastructure and curriculum are consciously adopted. If you intend to forge your child into an empowered human being who strongly believes in making a positive difference in the world, join our community today.
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Ekya / April 03, 2024
The Power of Learning with Intent: A Guide to Purposeful Education
In a world brimming with information, the art of learning has evolved beyond the mere acquisition of facts. Learning with intent, a deliberate approach to education emphasises quality over quantity, depth over breadth, and purpose over passive absorption. It’s about cultivating a mindset that transforms knowledge into meaningful action and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern age effectively.
At its core, learning with intent involves setting clear objectives and actively engaging with the subject matter. Whether exploring a new language, delving into scientific principles, or honing a creative skill, intentionality infuses each learning endeavour with purpose and direction. As Albert Einstein aptly said, "The only source of knowledge is experience." This quote amplifies the importance of active participation and hands-on learning, highlighting that true understanding arises from deliberate engagement with the material.
Furthermore, engaging actively with the material is paramount. Embrace challenges and embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. This proactive approach not only deepens your understanding but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in any field.
Moreover, learning with intent emphasises relevance and applicability. Seek out opportunities to apply newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By contextualising learning within your personal or professional sphere, you enhance its significance and utility, making it more likely to stick.
In conclusion, learning with intent is a transformative approach that transcends traditional notions of education. By setting clear objectives, engaging actively, prioritising relevance, and fostering a growth mindset, individuals can harness the full potential of learning to achieve their goals and thrive in an ever-changing world. So, embark on your learning journey with purpose, and let each lesson propel you towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.
By Sweta Pradeep Rao
Senior English Educator
Ekya School JP Nagar
Ekya / April 02, 2024
Gadget-free Summer Break
With summer vacation around, I urge parents to explore various ways to facilitate children to make healthy choices during their vacation time.
Last week, when we asked our Early Years to visualise their characters and create a story, most of them came up with stories about ghosts and monsters attacking others. When we had conversations about what gave them this idea, we understood that these story ideas emanated from their online games. While gaming per se develops specific skills and requires focus, it also stifles the imagination of young children. Since it is visually appealing, children tend to remember those images in their heads all the time.
I often see parents providing very young children (1 year to 3 year olds) with gadgets as the means to keep children engaged and entertained. I see children watching phones in the waiting areas of clinics, hospitals, school lobbies and banks.
This brings us to a fundamental question “ Should children be engaged by parents all the time?” Not necessarily. What is likely to happen if children were not handed over gadgets at the waiting lounges? What would they do? Some of them may cry, some may throw a loud tantrum, and some may crib. If parents show resilience and allow children to settle down themselves, they will soon find ways to keep themselves engaged. Likewise, during summer vacation. What if this is a “no gadget” vacation and parents do not take up the responsibility to engage their children? What would children do? How can parents show resilience here and facilitate children to make healthy choices? I leave the readers with this thought for this summer vacation.
Mathangi R,
Head of School,
Ekya NICE Road.
Ekya / April 02, 2024
The Eye of the Storm
In the hushed embrace of an Indian evening, our journey began, a symphony of anticipation orchestrated by the hum of jet engines and the flutter of boarding passes. The promise of adventure beckoned from distant shores as we boarded our flight bound for the United Kingdom, our hearts aflutter with dreams of far-off lands and newfound horizons. But as we soared through the velvet sky, a foreboding shadow loomed on the horizon, a harbinger of the chaos that was soon to unfold. In the blink of an eye, the tranquil serenity of our airborne sanctuary was shattered by a deafening crack, a burst of purple lightning that danced across the heavens with an otherworldly fervour. The air crackled with electricity as the plane shuddered beneath the force of the storm, its metal frame quivering in defiance against the tempestuous onslaught. And then, in a heart-stopping moment of sheer terror, the heavens unleashed their fury upon us, casting our fragile vessel into a maelstrom of chaos and uncertainty. The sky darkened to a shade of ominous charcoal as the winds howled with a primal ferocity, tearing at the wings of our faltering craft with savage intent. The cabin was awash with panicked cries and frantic prayers as we clung to our seats with white-knuckled desperation, each passing moment stretching into eternity.
And then, as if mocking our feeble attempts at control, the plane tilted almost 180 degrees, its nose plummeting towards the earth with a sickening lurch. Time seemed to stand still as we hurtled towards the ground, our fate hanging in the balance as the world spun wildly out of control. But just when all hope seemed lost, a glimmer of salvation emerged from the chaos, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching darkness. With a mighty roar, the engines surged to life once more, their thunderous symphony drowning out the cacophony of the storm as we clawed our way back from the brink of oblivion. As the storm clouds parted and the sun cast its golden rays upon the horizon, we emerged battered but unbroken, our spirits buoyed by the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And though our journey had been fraught with peril and uncertainty, we emerged from the crucible of the skies stronger and more resilient than ever before. For in the crucible of adversity, we discovered the true measure of our strength, our courage, and our unwavering determination to defy the odds and chart our course through the tempestuous seas of life. As we touched down on solid ground once more, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the world around us, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
Arjun Narasimhan Kuppuswamy
Grade 8C
Learning Apps For Kids: Using Them Alongside Classroom Lessons To Stimulate Young Minds!
What Are Learning Apps For Kids And Why Are They So Popular?
Against the commonly perceived notion, learning apps aren't the substitute for classroom learning, book reading, or hands-on experimentation. They're just a means to enhance students' learning by sparking their curiosity, engaging them in interactive processes, and honing relevant skills. A study conducted on 122 grade 5 students by Prof. Michelle Riconscente (from Southern California University) highlighted the use of interactive games to improve students' interest in complex subjects, particularly maths. The results were evident from their better performance on a test conducted on fractions.How Can Learning Apps Benefit Your Kids?
- Some topics and concepts are difficult for students to learn, but they are simplified and made more interesting with the help of animations, interactive puzzles, and games.
- These apps are a treat for audio visual learners.
- Learning apps let students learn at their own pace without experiencing the stress of following instructions in a specific time frame. It allows students to study autonomously and take ownership of their learning. Moreover, children can access all sorts of learning materials on the go.
- We're living in a digital world where technology dominates almost every industry. By the time our children finish higher education, advanced digital skills will be in demand at their workplace. Being familiar with apps gives them a chance to access and use technology responsibly, while preparing for their future jobs.
- A few apps also allow parents and teachers to monitor the child's progress and have an understanding of the things they've learned. Some apps could make a complex concept easier for students who may be struggling with learning difficulties like dyslexia.
Learning Apps That Boost Students’ Productivity And Performance! Language Learning Apps
Language learning apps like Duolingo, Memrise, etc., have engaging lessons that add new words to the students' vocabulary, improve their grammar, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Since reading is one of the best ways to learn a language, apps like Amazon Kindle, RAZ, Juggernaut, etc., are great for children to practise loud and silent reading. They've tons of free and paid eBooks for different age groups. If your child is fond of reading, Ekya Schools recommends classics like Dr. Seuss's Fox in Socks, Karadi Tales, Enid Blyton's The Noddy Series, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter, etc.- Drawing Activity Apps
- Maths Learning Apps
- Designing Apps
- Thinking Apps
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