Anyone who has parented a child knows they need correction from time to time. Some kids are strong-willed and always seem to be a challenge while others are very mild-mannered and “easy” when it comes to the need for discipline. Children don’t come with directions, but they need lots of direction from us as parents. Even the most easygoing child requires boundaries and will test the limits that he or she is given. Strong-willed children can be an exceptional challenge because they test limits often and with vigor. However, all children regardless of temperament need boundaries and want limits in spite of the protests they may raise. There is no perfect child and there are no perfect parents, but as parents we should ask ourselves if we correct our children using punishment or discipline. One might wonder if there really is a difference between the two. Yes, there absolutely is!
Punishment is defined as suffering, pain, or loss that serves as retribution, a penalty inflicted on an offender through judicial procedure, and severe, rough, or disastrous treatment. When one punishes, it is done in a reactive mode. Discipline, however, is defined as training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character, orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior, and self-control.
-Winnie
