Love - Parenting Today with Love + Discipline

Some may find the balance between love and discipline in parenting conflicting. However, they provide a balance by creating an environment where children feel safe and secure.

As they grow, children understand the need for guidelines and their importance in their lives. They learn right from wrong and realise what other character traits look like when words and actions are one.

Consequently, this helps them make ethical choices as they begin comprehending the bigger picture.

Life lessons

As a parent, you are there to guide them and teach them about life - its ups and downs, teach them about love, what it feels like, what it looks like, how to love themselves and each other - and talk to them about what isn't acceptable and about boundaries.

Discipline is needed in all areas of life, and constantly and effectively teaching your child about what to value in a friendship at an early age will help them determine what is and isn't acceptable in an intimate relationship.

Your child needs to learn to love themselves, so regardless of what their friends or the world via the internet tells them, they have the courage and confidence to stand up for themselves.

Road rules

There are always heaps of examples you could talk to your child about so that they understand the importance of discipline and boundaries.

For example, road rules require limitations. In some countries, they drive on the left-hand side, while in other countries, they drive on the right-hand side. Speed limits vary throughout each country. Naturally, if you are driving near a school, the cars have a lower speed limit because children may be out and about, compared to a motorway where cars travel at high speeds because there are no pedestrians around.

I loved driving in Italy on the motorway; however, although I was driving at a higher speed than I had ever been, I was aware of how fast the cars approached from behind me. So, I moved over to the slower lane. I loved how everyone cooperated with that 'rule'.

Teach your child to be aware of what's happening around them and confident enough to stay in their comfort zone regardless of what others are doing.

Future choices

Discipline isn't about punishing; it's about setting boundaries that guide your child to make healthy future decisions and to learn from their mistakes because they will make them.

Remember, your child isn't a problem to be fixed; they are a soul to be guided. It's up to you to help them see the best within themselves and have the courage and confidence to be their true self so that they can contribute to making the world a better place.