Self-discipline is a quality that we’d all like to have and it’s a good idea to start building self-discipline in children at an early age. Children who develop self-discipline early in life are going to have numerous advantages throughout their lives over those children who never developed self-discipline.
Self-discipline plays an important role in many aspects of our lives including daily living skills, educational and vocational skills, our health and wellness and even our interpersonal relationships. Structured activities provide a framework for building self-discipline in children by providing expectations, consistency and predictability in a child’s day.
What is self-discipline?
In many ways, self-discipline is the flip side of self-control. Usually, when we talk about using our self-control, we’re referring to avoiding the wrong behaviors. So, if you pass up on a delicious dessert at a restaurant, many people will comment on your well-developed self-control. If you religiously work out every day of the week, then others will typically refer to your incredible self-discipline, not your self-control.
Before the “self” in self-discipline, there is discipline that comes from others, in this case it’s the parents. First, YOU make certain that your child completes the sorts of responsibilities that you hope they’ll eventually complete on their own. As they become accustomed to completing these responsibilities, and more competent, they will need less and less motivation in the form of praise and/or other types of reinforcement.
- Parental guidance plays a central role in teaching discipline through example.
- A structured environment gives children the tools to focus and succeed.
- Daily routines provide consistency and predictability, essential for building habits.
Seeing the gains in self-discipline through positive reinforcement
When these natural consequences are all that is needed, we tend to say that the person is very self-disciplined.
Structured activities for building self-discipline
Organized sports and other athletic activities are great for building self-discipline as well as self-control. As an example, martial arts classes focus heavily on self-control and self-discipline.
The self-control aspect often involves staying silent unless asking a question and controlling punches and kicks during sparring so as not to injure anyone. The self-discipline aspect involves daily stretching, practicing the basics, and practicing forms (complex chains of techniques) at home.
Structured educational activities can also help to build self-discipline. Part of self-discipline is staying on task when there’s a task to be completed.
With Carrotology, you can create an educational Responsibility with a time deadline and a minimum duration.
You might want your child to complete a reading assignment by 6:30 PM but you also want them to read for at least 30 minutes. Kids who learn to do things on time and put in the proper amount of time are also learning self-discipline!
The parental role in supporting self-discipline
As your child learns to complete more responsibilities without your prompting them to begin, or reprimanding them when something needs to be done, your child will also be learning self-discipline as well as independence. If you’re looking for ways on how to improve self-discipline in kids, setting clear expectations and leading by example are key.
Your role as a parent is to be a good model of self-discipline and to provide feedback and praise as your child becomes more self-disciplined. Remember that exercise hump? Your children are going to need lots of extra motivation and encouragement from you, especially when they face some of their bigger challenges. Finally, don’t forget to celebrate their achievements as they learn to master self-discipline.
Incorporating Structure into Daily Routine
Consistency is key to nurturing self-discipline. Establishing a structured daily routine provides children with clear expectations and a sense of stability. With Carrotology, you can create structured “Carrotines” for your child to help reach meaningful goals.
Start by designating specific times for essential activities like homework, sports, and relaxation. Explain the rules and goals for each activity beforehand to create a framework they can follow. For example, set aside an hour after school for reading or structured play, with a clear objective, such as completing a chapter or building a specific project.
Feedback is equally important. Acknowledge their effort and celebrate small victories. Whether they successfully stick to their schedule for a week or improve in a particular skill, these moments of recognition reinforce their motivation and commitment.
Motivational Quotes on Self-Discipline
Here’s a few quotes on self-discipline to give you and your child some extra motivation.
- “Self-discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” – Unknown
- “Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.” – Roy L. Smith
- “The price of discipline is always less than the pain of regret.” – Unknown
- “Discipline is not about being perfect; it’s about being consistent.” – Unknown
- “Self-discipline is the ability to do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.” – Elbert Hubbard
Helping Your Child Develop Self-Discipline for Lifelong Success
The key to self-discipline is discipline from others, so it starts with you! It’s about support and encouragement up front and through the difficulties. Your child gains independence in their discipline as you fade out your praise and other forms of reinforcement.
Make self-discipline part of your child’s daily routine through assigning Responsibilities with Carrotology! The Carrotology app helps you organize your child’s day and provide the extra motivation to persist in the face of new challenges and build good responsible habits that will last a lifetime.
