Here's something else on discipline in relation to dads. A few weeks ago, I posted an excerpt from a document titled "Stronger Fathers, Stronger Families," from a family conference held in Manila. From the same document, I came across the following (note numbers 7 & 8):

Another author who discusses the characteristics of strong "successful fathers" is James Stenson. He pinpoints twelve attitudes and/or approaches:

1. Successful fathers have a sense of supporting partnership with the wife.
2. Successful fathers think long-term about their children's future character as grown-up men and women.
3. As a consequence of this vision, they frequently talk with their wife about their children's future character strengths and weaknesses.
4. These fathers frequently discuss things with their children.
5. Such fathers listen to their children well.
6. Successful fathers keep television watching to a minimum.
7. Successful fathers see discipline, not as a punishment or mere behavior control, but rather, a means to building the children's self-control.
8. Related to this, successful fathers are confident of their authority.

Personally, the word "discipline" still conjures in my mind images of stern-looking figures, ruler in hand...or the act of spanking, or any of those negative pictures of being punished -- as this is the way the concept of discipline has been portrayed in media over the years. Thanks to family counselors, parenting experts and other authorities on child-rearing, parents and guardians are learning more about the whole scope of discipline.

posted by sunnyday at 9:49 PM

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