Why is it important to help a child feel a sense of belonging and significance?

1.  Is it kind  and firm at the same time?

2.  Does it help children feel a sense of belonging and significance?

3.  Is it effective long-term?

4.  Does it teach valuable social and life skills for good character?

This week, we'll look at the second criteria.

Does it help children feel a sense of belonging and significance?

All human beings want to feel a sense of belonging and significance.  Just take a minute to stop and think about how you feel when you feel like you belong, as compared to when you don't.   It is especially important for children to feel a sense of connection.  A feeling of being connected is a primary indicator of how well children will do in school, both academically and socially. 

Punishment does not help children feel a sense of belonging and significance.  That is one of the reasons punishment only works on a short-term basis.  Positive Discipline methods do help children feel a sense of belonging and significance.  Children misbehave when they are discouraged and don't feel connected. 

I think back on times when my boys "pushed my buttons"....and yelled and sent them to their room.  They certainly didn't feel like they were connected to me!  Their behavior might have stopped for the moment, but it didn't really change anything.  We all ended up feeling badly, and they did not feel a sense of belonging.  By including our kids in a positive way, like developing family routines, you can help your kids feel a sense of belonging and significance.  

 If you would like to learn more about the Positive Discipline methods to help your child(ren) feel a sense of belonging and significance, come to one of our upcoming free introductory classes:

Tuesday November 12 10AM-noon, or Tuesday November 19 7-9PM - email marianne.seeber@positivedisciplinewesternct.org to pre-register.

 And check out our fall class schedule at www.positivedisciplinewesternct.org

Positive Discipline of Western CT promotes and encourages the development of life skills and respectful relationships in families, schools, and businesses in our local communities. We will provide classes to parents, caregivers, educators, and youth development workers, teaching how to raise a child using Positive Discipline skills.