Discipline:
Steps towards a positive conclusion

Discipline has some similarities to working on a craft. How many times have you started a project but left it unfinished? You could spend a lot of time painting a picture or doing some needlework but you won't be able to fully enjoy it until it's framed and hung on a wall.

Discipline needs to be framed, finished off and completed with a Positive Conclusion. It's not enough to just give a consequence and think you're done. Some parents feel like they’ve fulfilled their responsibility or done their duty by simply sending children to their rooms or taking away a privilege.

Unfortunately, there is often tension left in the relationship, the child may walk away angry, children may feel guilty, or true repentance may not have taken place. This leaves room for anger or even bitterness to linger. The child may plan revenge. "I'll show you. I just won't talk to you. You'll be sorry then." Day after day, year after year, these tensions grow into layers and layers of walls between you and your child.

A Positive Conclusion is a discussion you have with your child after the consequence has been given. It helps children understand what they did wrong, why it was wrong and what they can do differently next time. The Positive Conclusion is a reaffirmation of the relationship and a confidence that the child can do better. The Positive Conclusion is so important you should use it to end every discipline situation.

This idea was taken from the book, "Home Improvement, The Parenting Book You Can Read to Your Kids," by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.