As parents, we all want the best for our children’s futures. We enroll them in various activities that will develop the characteristics and life skills we want for our children. But there is one skill that is the foundation of all other skills, and that is self-discipline.
Let’s remember there’s a difference between discipline and self-discipline. At Karate America, we strive for what we call “Happy Discipline,” where the kids realize that we are trying to build their self-discipline so that they no longer need to be disciplined.
That’s why when we have to make a correction or encourage proper behavior from a child, we always want it to end on a happy note. We want the child to understand that it’s for their benefit and will be an awesome tool they can use in their daily lives.
When children develop powerful self-discipline, their daily routines become smoother, whether it’s going to bed on time, brushing their teeth, or completing their homework.
Self-discipline also leads to a higher level of focus, which is a key component of it. Being able to control their impulses makes everything go smoother.
Self-discipline is also intrinsically linked to managing big feelings. Instead of lashing out, hollering, or even hitting when frustrated, a child with powerful self-discipline skills will be able to regulate their behavior much better.
Once a child has a strong foundation in self-discipline, it becomes a rock-solid foundation for the rest of their life!