Discipline vs Punishment

Hi! Sybil, Discipline is different from punishment because it teaches children to learn from their mistakes rather than making them suffer for them. In fact, imposing suffering actually shifts the focus from the lesson that needs to be learned to who is in control. As a result, punishment focuses on the parent being responsible for controlling a child's behavior, rather than the child controlling his/her own behavior, which is the focus of discipline.

In Positive Discipline, Jane Nelsen offers guidelines for using consequences, which she calls the Four R's of consequences
1 . Whenever possible, REVEAL the consequences of misbehavior ahead of time so children will know what to expect the next time they choose to misbehave.
2 . The discipline should be logically RELATED to the misbehavior. Sending a child to bed or restricting a child from TV has nothing to do with riding a bike in the street.
3 . Present your comments in a RESPECTFUL manner that lets children know they have a choice about how they behave.
4 . Provide a REASONABLE solution that will allow children an opportunity to correct the behavior while the lesson is fresh in their minds.

I believe discipline is reasonable and explainable.  Punishment is physical, un reasonable and assosciated with anger.  Discipline is accompanied by a discussion of action and consequences.  Children need direction, so be consistent in your reaction to their behavior and be sure it is age appropriate.