SELF-DISCIPLINE:
Doing what you need to do so you can grow.
Developing
a self-disciplined lifestyle often goes against our natural tendencies, but is
critical to our success and sometimes to our survival. When we do what we need
to do, we can grow mentally, physically, intellectually and emotionally. Why is
it important to learn self-discipline?
Good habits are developed. Habits are an
important type of personal discipline. Of course, there are good and bad
habits. A good habit is one where repeated actions of self-discipline produce
good results. Personal discipline is often built by doing the little, everyday
things.
We master our attitudes. Required,
important, needed and expected are all words which describe tasks we encounter
throughout life. Waiting for the train at a crossing is required because of
safety. Exercise is important because of health. Planning for financial
security is needed because of the responsibility to care for our family.
Holding our tongue when we want to say something hurtful will save us heartache
later.
We learn consequences. Examples of
this concept are readily available, even during the elementary years. School assignments,
chores and music practice are all tasks which have consequences if left undone.
Poor grades, smelly trash or mistakes at a recital might be the consequence of
neglecting a task. Sometimes the best lessons are reinforced by personally
experiencing the consequences when we haven’t shown self-discipline.
Self-discipline
is crucial in all areas of life. Teaching your child to build such a pattern of
behavior is one of the greatest challenges you face.
CATCH YOUR
CHILD showing self-discipline
Core
Essentials believes that a key way to help your child internalize the character
values being taught is to “catch” them demonstrating the value. Here are a few
suggestions on how you can catch your child, and let him or her know you see
them showing self-discipline.
•
Notice when your child stays on task to complete chores.
•
Praise your child when he or she is consistent with doing homework on their
own.
•
Acknowledge when your child sticks to a hard task and work to perfect a skill.
These are just a few
ways you can catch your child showing self-discipline. The Core Essentials
Program believes it takes an INWARD attitude to influence OUTWARD
behavior. The Program is based on aligning the home and school to teach
character.
If you do catch your
child showing self-discipline, we would love to hear about it. Tell us what
your child did in a note sent into the school, or an e-mail sent directly to
his or her teacher.
© 2009 Core Essentials, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.coreessentials.org.