Happily Parenting

Call to mind a child you may know (from church, your child's school, perhaps a family friend, maybe even your own) that just seems SO UNHAPPY.  Do they always seem to be crying, whining, or complaining?  Do very few things make them smile?  Do they have a negative attitude about nearly everything?  Do they throw tantrums no matter their age?

Now call to mind the discipline of that child........EXACTLY!

An undisciplined child is an unhappy child....who will in all likelihood grow to be an unhappy adult.

We all know adults who are unhappy and always seems to have loads of "drama" too.  More often than not these same adults buck any authority at every step, state what they are NOT going to do more than what they will do.  They tend to be very self-serving, and short tempered.  (you're picturing that person you know right now aren't you?)

Discipline is not about manipulating reward and punishment.  Discipline is first about having a leadership mindset that establishes boundaries for your children, with clear expectations and consequences.  Parents who parent with a sense of  leadership, let their no mean no and their yes mean yes.   They define love as "what is best for their child," not how their actions make their child "feel."

A child/adult who is disciplined is happier because there is a sense of security in knowing what to expect. 

• A child/adult who is disciplined is happier because there is consistency.
• A child/adult who is disciplined puts others first.
• A child/adult who is disciplined contributes to their family/community.
• A child/adult who is disciplined is more pleasant to be in the company of.

Discipline your children with the love in your heart...NOT the feelings in your head.