10 Habits Parents Can Cultivate to Raise Disciplined Kids
Parenting is a journey that’s as rewarding as it is challenging. As a grandmother, I am deeply concerned about today’s children. Many are glued to screens, throwing tantrums, and displaying bratty behavior. Some even suffer from ADHD. It’s crucial for parents to guide their children toward better conduct. They must set clear ground rules. Good behaviour, not strict rules, is key to raising disciplined children. Children are like sponges, absorbing the habits and values they observe at home.By doing so, they can foster healthier habits and behaviours in their kids. Here’s how parents can set the stage for a disciplined and respectful child: 10 Habits Parents Can Cultivate to Raise Disciplined Kids
1.Practice What You Preach
Children are keen observers. They don’t just hear what you say; they watch what you do. If you stick to your commitments, manage your emotions, and take responsibilities seriously, your kids will likely to follow suit. Discipline starts with consistency in your actions. If you’re asking your child to put down their mobile, set the example by doing it first.
2. Establish and Follow Rules Together
Rules are the foundation of any disciplined environment, but they only work when they’re consistent. Create simple, age-appropriate rules and stick to them. For example, bedtime routines or screen time limits teach kids the importance of boundaries and building trust.
3. Make Responsibility a Family Value
Teaching responsibility doesn’t have to be a chore (pun intended!). Involve kids in daily tasks like tidying up their toys or helping set the table. These small steps give them a sense of independence and accomplishment while reinforcing the value of contributing to the family.
4. Prioritize Time Management
Time is a precious resource, and teaching kids to value it can make all the difference. Follow a consistent schedule for meals, homework, play, and rest. When parents are punctual and organised, it naturally encourages kids to adopt these habits.
5. Reward Effort, Not Just Success
Positive reinforcement is a fundamental change. Celebrate your child’s efforts—whether it’s a small act of kindness or finishing a task without being reminded. Positive feedback and small rewards encourage them and show that discipline leads to good things.
10 Habits Parents Can Cultivate to Raise Disciplined Kids
6. Model Patience and Calmness
Discipline doesn’t mean losing your cool. Kids learn to manage emotions by watching their parents handle stress calmly and strongly. This calm approach helps kids learn from mistakes rather than fear repercussions.
7. Respect Boundaries and Build Trust
A home where children feel heard and respected is a home where discipline thrives. Keep their secrets safe (unless it’s harmful) and honour their need for privacy. This builds trust, making it easier for them to follow rules and share their thoughts.
8. Set Realistic Expectations
Unrealistic goals can set children up for failure and frustration. Be clear and reasonable about what you expect from them. Simple, clear rules help kids learn self-regulation without feeling stressed.
9. Practice Self-Care
Parents often forget that taking care of themselves is also part of parenting. When you prioritize your well-being, you’re teaching your children the importance of balance and self-care. A calm and centred parent is better equipped to guide and nurture disciplined behaviour.
10. Encourage Kindness and Empathy
Discipline isn’t just about rules; it’s also about values. Teach your kids to be kind and compassionate. Discuss feelings, share stories of empathy, and celebrate acts of kindness. This creates a positive and respectful environment where discipline ensues.
Disciplined kids result from good parenting, not strict rules. With these habits, you can create a nurturing environment. Let discipline emanate from mutual respect and shared values. Remember, your actions today shape their tomorrow.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
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@wordsmithkaur
@wordsmithkaur
Some valid and practical points here. I love the first point, it’s so true, children always want to mimic parents so its important to make sure we follow what we preach. They are watching, all the time!!!!!!
Great points and I also reflect on a lot of them in my book Raising Capable Children.
These are some very practical tips. I would also add to understand the kid, and not listen to others much. As a mother I want my kid to confide in me in times of need, and not to dread me.
I appreciate how you’ve broken down practical habits that parents can cultivate for raising disciplined kids—especially the focus on leading by example.
Very useful tips, Harjeet. True, we as parents must follow it first and then kids will model our behavior.
Such a relatable and practical read! Loved how these habits focus on mutual respect rather than strict rules. Parenting is tough, but small mindful actions can make a big difference. Definitely taking notes from this!
I think rewarding effort is a great way to let them know that it’s not always about winning or being the best. I also like the point about empathy and kindness. I’m sure if these would be followed we’d have a great generation of kids who’d turn out to be responsible adults.
What stood out for me : “Reward effort not success!” So very true. We are so caught up with successes and putting successful people on a pedestal, we forget that so many have made tremendous efforts and have failed. This incomplete vision makes effort a valueless virtue! Great blog indeed!
Coming up something together, always help. Everyone included in the decision felt ownership over it! All the other tips are also equally good. But I resonate with this one in particular.
I feel in today’s fast world , the one thing kids and even parents do not have is patience. I think teaching kids to wait is the most important of all the valid points raised by you, Harjeet.
It’s so true that kids pick up on everything we do, not just what we say. I love the idea of leading by example, especially when it comes to things like screen time. Involving kids in small chores really helps them feel responsible too. I’m definitely going to use these tips with my grandkids. Thank you for sharing such honest and helpful advice.
As a new mom, I found this blog so insightful! Practical, real, and full of wisdom. Parenting can feel overwhelming, but these simple, actionable habits make discipline feel natural and nurturing. Loved it
Parenting has changed so much over the years. It’s important now that we give kids space while ensuring that we’re close to guide and support them. Everything we do is imbibed by them hence good habits, lifestyle, manners and behaviour must be taught by example.
Well-thought out rule book for parents. Wish all take parenting seriously and remember that this job cannot be slacked .
These are some great and practicable tips on parenting! As a new mom, these tips will come in handy for me, for sure.
These are great steps. Often we forget the basics while handling kids fulltime. I have dedicated myself fully for their upbringing. Thanks for reminding about self care.
This is so true about kids of this generation and I’m sure these tips will help parents to bring up disciplined children
Excellent tip. Parenting effectiveness begins with leading by example. A detailed and empathetic post. 😊
Well thought of these small but highly impactful tips. I agree that discipline is must to teach kids the values inherited in us. I admire the line do what you preach. well said…
You have shared very sound advice here.