There is a difference between discipline and punishment. Although punishment is a form of discipline, it tends to be ineffective in most cases. When we learn to discipline our children with love it becomes more of a learning process than mere punishment.
The goal of discipline is to correct behavior and to teach our children to be responsible members of society. We are raising the future generation. We have a great responsibility. Learning how to discipline your child can be an overwhelming thing for any parent. No two children are alike. Some forms of discipline may work well for one child and not for another. You have to learn what works for your child and discipline based on their individual needs.
Communicate with your children and explain the purpose of the discipline. Tell them why what they did wasn’t ok and what they should have done differently. Make sure to remind them that you love them even though you don’t love the behavior. It is times like these that it is most important to speak your child’s love language. If their love language is physical touch be sure to give them a hug to show them you still care. If it is words of affirmation express your love verbally. If it is quality time try to take them somewhere and spend time with them just the two of you so they have your full attention. This lets them know that you still love them even though they did something wrong. To be most effective with your children use a combination of the love languages since we all feel love in more than one way.
Stay calm; don’t let your anger show. Use their mistakes as little teaching moments. Be gentle, yet firm. Let them know your expectations and show them love through discipline. Mistakes are a natural part of life; we all make them, our children included. Let them know that even through the mistakes your love is always unconditional.