Discipline comes from the Latin word disciplina meaning instruction or teaching. Discipline, so defined, places the parent as the leader or teacher and the child as the student. A parent teaches values, good judgment, self control and caring for others through daily interactions with children. A parent sets limits and makes appropriate responses when a child does something that is in conflict with parental wishes. Effective parenting is safe, nurturing and instructive.
Physical punishment can be harmful physically, emotionally and socially.
It is usually ineffective because it does not teach appropriate behaviors, but teaches that hitting is acceptable in dealing with others. The National Association of School Psychologists supports the use of discipline practices that treat children with respect while shaping their behavior to encourage self-control and caring for others. Parents form trusting relationships with their children by exhibiting predictable and mature behavior and by protecting them from harm. Children who feel safe to make mistakes can learn to make better decisions in the future. A trusting relationship between parents and children is the cornerstone of effective discipline.