By Anita Uzoagba
Some children’s caregivers in the Federal Capital Territory have harped on the need to view discipline as a tool for teaching and guidance rather than punishment when raising responsible and godly children.
The caregivers, which consisted of parents, teachers and religious leaders, made their views known in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
They stressed that the objective of discipline should be to correct, guide and teach children appropriate behaviour while helping them develop a sense of responsibility.
Mrs Gladys Ohiwere, Headmistress of Leadway Academy, said that the primary goal of discipline is to correct behaviour, teach responsibility, promote self-control and instil respect in children.
According to her, one of the most effective disciplinary measures is verbal correction, which involves discussing inappropriate behaviour with a child and helping him or her understand why such conduct is unacceptable.
“When a child understands why a behaviour is wrong, the child is more likely to make better choices and develop a sense of responsibility,” she said.
She identified “time-out” as another corrective measure, explaining that it involves temporarily removing a child from certain activities to encourage reflection on inappropriate behaviour.
“The child begins to reflect and ask why he or she is not fully participating in an activity. This can encourage self-correction and better behaviour,” she said.
Ohiwere, however, warned against public humiliation and harsh treatment of children, saying such approaches could make them more resistant to correction.
She reiterated that corporal punishment had been abolished in schools because of its adverse effects on children’s mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
She added that effective discipline should focus on helping learners make better choices and develop positive moral values.
Contributing his views, a clergyman, Rev. Chidiebere Ohanaka, said that verbal correction serves as one of the most effective disciplinary measures.
He explained that parents should calmly discuss inappropriate behaviour with children and explain the expected conduct.
According to him, assigning additional responsibilities and household chores can also help children develop discipline and a stronger sense of responsibility.
“Extra chores help children learn responsibility. In some cases, children misbehave because they are idle and not meaningfully engaged,” he said.
Ohanaka stressed the importance of restorative actions, such as encouraging children to apologise when they hurt others and helping them find ways to make amends.
He noted that Christian parents could use biblical teachings and scriptures to guide children towards good character and moral values.
He emphasised the need for parents to give verbal warnings and consistently apply reasonable consequences when rules are violated.
Also, Mrs Maria Sule, Proprietress, Brimike Montessori Academy, said that educators and parents should adopt discipline-based approaches that teach responsibility and self-control rather than relying on punitive measures to address misconduct among children.
According to her, effective discipline is aimed at helping children develop good decision-making skills, responsibility and positive behaviour, while punishment merely focuses on imposing consequences for wrongdoing.
“Schools should emphasise discipline rather than punishment,” she said.
Sule said that clear rules and expectations were essential for maintaining order in schools, adding that pupils should be made aware of acceptable behaviour and the consequences of violating established standards.
The proprietress stressed the importance of involving parents in addressing recurring behavioural issues through regular communication and collaborative improvement plans.
“Some behavioural problems stem from emotional difficulties, family challenges or learning issues. In such cases, counselling and mentoring can make a significant difference,” she said.
She cautioned against corporal punishment, public humiliation, ridicule and other harsh disciplinary practices, noting that such measures could negatively affect children’s wellbeing and learning outcomes.
Responding as a parent, Mrs Grace Okeke agreed that effective parenting requires helping children understand the consequences of their actions while providing loving guidance and moral instruction.
According to her, parents can employ various disciplinary measures including verbal correction, temporary withdrawal of privileges and timeout periods to encourage reflection.
“When a child does something wrong, you can correct the child verbally and explain what was done wrongly.
“Sometimes you can reduce the child’s playtime or screen time so that he or she has time to reflect on the action,” she said.
Okeke stressed the importance of teaching accountability by encouraging children to apologise when they offend others and to repair or replace anything they damage.
She urged parents to place equal emphasis on recognising and rewarding positive behaviour, noting that many African parents focus more on mistakes than achievements.
She noted that a balanced disciplinary approach that combines correction, encouragement, prayer and loving guidance would help raise responsible adults with strong moral values and reverence for God.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Magdalene Ukuedojor