What is Conscious Discipline?

I will go ahead and put this out there in advance - this blog discusses one of many ways to redirect and discipline a child for their behavior. Discipline is an extremely difficult topic to address. It is an extremely personal decision, so naturally, everyone knows how to do it "the right way" and many people are more than happy to inform you that you are doing it wrong. I am not advocating for this or any specific discipline style, Instead, my intention is to provide a possible tool that you can use if it works for your child.

Conscious Discipline is an emotional intelligence program where children learn to express their emotions, resolve problems with words, and work with others. It was developed by Dr. Becky Bailey, an author, and early childhood educator. It is designed to create an environment where the motivation to behave comes from the nature of the relationships a child has with others.

The best way to discipline a child is something all parents think about. What is the best way to show your child the correct way to behave, without ordering them around? How can you teach your child to behave properly because they know it’s right?
Benefits of Conscious Discipline

One of the main messages of Conscious Discipline is that when people feel loved and valued, cooperation flourishes. Whether it’s used in a classroom or home environment, the goal is to help your child connect with those around them and develop caring relationships. Instead of using punishment and rewards, Conscious Discipline encourages problem-solving, cooperation, and acceptance.

In doing this, your child can learn how to problem-solve, become more accountable for their own behavior, and gain self-control.

How to use Conscious Discipline at Home

Because Conscious Discipline is focused on creating strong relationships, parents and caregivers can participate as well. Here are some ways you can use Conscious Discipline at home:

See the situation from your child’s perspective. Being able to see an event through your child’s eyes can help you to respond appropriately and can help inform the way you deal with the situation.

Offer closed-end choices. Letting your child participate in the decision-making process can help them feel a sense of control and practice collaborative problem-solving. However, a limited amount of choice is easier for a young child to handle. so, for example, you can say, “Do you want to brush your teeth first, or put on your pajamas?”

Set rules beforehand. When your child knows what to expect, they can feel secure, and you have a shared frame of reference. So, for example, when getting ready to run errands, you can say, “I won’t be buying any candy today, but you can bring a snack from home. Would you like crackers or fruit?”

Plan ahead to avoid difficult situations. Thinking about possible scenarios can help you prepare or avoid difficult circumstances altogether. So, for example, you may realize that your trip to visit family will mean your child will have a later than usual bedtime, as a result, this could make them more prone to tantrums.

Remain calm. Though keeping calm can seem difficult at times, it is an important thing to practice. As a result, you are less likely to lose your temper, likewise, you might give in and break the rules you set for your child. Model proper behavior and emotional control for your child as often as you can.

Conscious Discipline aims to help children express their feelings, regulate emotions, problem-solve through an issue, and create strong connections with others. In this way, your child can learn appropriate behaviors based on their relationships and understand what is expected of them.

Dr. Becky Bailey explains her theory of Conscious Discipline click here to watch the video!

Want to learn more about Dr. Becky Baily, founder of Conscious Discipline? Click here