Understanding Positive Discipline: Practical suggestions and tips

Discipline is the process of training the mind to control behaviour in a positive way. People discipline themselves in many aspects of life including study, religion, sports, family and social situations. Learning self-discipline is essential to learning how to be an adult. However, self-discipline can only benefit children and young people if it is learned in a positive manner and modelled by adults around them.

It can be difficult for parents, caregivers and teachers to change the way they discipline children and young people. It takes time to see positive results.  These tips will help parents, caregivers and teachers make the changes and create positive discipline strategies to assist children in their growth and development. This information has largely come from: Positive Discipline in the Inclusive, Learning-Friendly Classroom: A Guide for Teachers and Teacher Educators, UNESCO (2006); and McCauley. N, 2006, Positive Discipline, Child Protection – South Darfur, UNICEF Sudan.