Parenting Discipline

Merriam-Webster's dictionary lists the definition of discipline as:

1. punishment

2. obsolete: instruction

3. a field of study

4. training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character

Why is punishment listed as the first definition and the Latin root meaning to teach has become obsolete?

I suspect that this description perfectly mirrors our current parenting paradigm in which generation after generation has passed down parenting discipline advice and techniques based on cycles of punishments and rewards, dangling carrots and taking away privileges and love in an attempt to modify behavior. This philosophy of discipline has not taken us very far.

And clearly, many of us are still frustrated!

What kind of results could we expect if parents, teachers and caregivers began to re-associate the word discipline with its root: instruction and then implemented that association into their parenting discipline strategies?

Ultimately we want to teach our children how to live in the world, explore, learn appropriate expressions of emotion and think for themselves - but we WILL NOT achieve this by ordering them into compliance all day long.

So, why do we continually reduce our parenting to "discipline" techniques that control and manipulate unnecessarily?

Why do we feel we need to constantly evaluate children's behavior as good or bad?

You want to give your child the best opportunity to grow into a self-reliant, happy adult!

The child, especially, learns to become the kind
of human being that he or she has experienced.
-Ashley Montagu

There are core differences between the way the Old Parenting Paradigm (Dominant) views parenting discipline and the way the New Parenting Paradigm (Conscious) views it.

It is necessary to explore these concepts in order to shift your thinking about child rearing. Read More>>

The brain science surrounding child development has exploded in the last 15 years. It is almost impossible to continue perpetuating the dominant paradigm once you understand how and why your child acts the way she does. Read More>> coming soon

Compassion, love and empathy are hallmarks of conscious parenting. The question of Nature vs Nurture is finally answered. Read More>> coming soon

The first question most parents ask after learning about Conscious Parenting is "Okay I get it, but what do I do?" Read More>>

Did you know that varying your parenting style can influence your experience and relationship with your child.

• What's Your Parenting Style? Take the QUIZ to find out!


• Find out how your parenting style may interfere with building a close relationship with your child.