Punishment is negative, an unpleasant consequence for doing or not doing something. The right kind of discipline is on-going. Parents need to set boundaries, not just react when kids misbehave. One of the first rules of discipline is to keep it as positive as possible. This means parents should concentrate on rewarding good behavior.
Children do better when they feel good about themselves.
It's important for parents to set limits and stick to them. Setting consistent guidelines at a young age will help establish important rules for the future. This allows you to set limits while still allowing your child some independence. Make a game out of good behavior. Your child is more likely to do what you want if you make it fun.