Parental Disciplining Done Right

Parents have a huge responsibility not only in bringing a child to life but, more importantly, also in helping a child live up a meaningful life. Many people are capable of bringing a child to life but there are fewer that can help a child grow and live up a meaningful life. So I really admire parents who see to it that they bequeath their kids values that will help them succeed.

I was strolling down to have my dinner. I heard from behind me a mother telling her daughter to be careful lest she hit someone. Her daughter was riding a scooter along the walkway. The mother tells her again to keep to the left and not stay in the middle to allow people to pass her by.

It was a refreshing sight. I've seen many kids misbehave in public without receiving any warnings from their parents, and I've seen an equal number of kids who were berated harshly by their parents. But for this mother, she was right on spot. She was gentle with her reminders but firm, and she was patient in always reminding her daughter the same things. Keep to the left, watch out for that lady, don't go too fast. Over and over again. 

I walked by her and told her that it was refreshing to see how she tries to help her daughter behave. It was neither embarrassing nor restricting, yet she was firm. I know how difficult it is to be a parent so I thought a word of encouragement would be wonderful to keep her going. I'm sure her daughter will grow up well. 

So to all parents out there, please don't give up on teaching your kids right from wrong. We may not always appreciate it but we will always look back and remember that our parents tried to raise us well.

Be gentle but firm. And don't lose patience in reminding us what is the right thing to do. It's ok to correct kids in public, it will teach them humility provided that it is done in a respectful way. (Yes, kids need to be respected as well.)

If you need any ideas on what values the kids generation needs at this point, please check up the book 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens'. Just click on the link at the right panel :)