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Parent Tip of the Week - Differences Between Discipline and Punishment

What is the difference between discipline and punishment? Read on to find out about the differences between the two as well as which method is more effective.

Discipline

Discipline is based on the idea that children will do better if they feel better.

The purpose is to teach children positive behaviors for each age.

Discipline helps children:

• Calm down

• Learn to solve problems

• Learn to manage their anger

• Learn to control their emotions

• Learn what behavior is expected of them

Punishment

Punishment is based on the idea that children need to feel worse or feel pain, shame, or humiliation to learn to behave.

It controls behavior through power and fear, and teaches children to hide or lie about mistakes and misbehaviors.

Punishment focuses on the negative behavior and teaches children to behave in a certain way to avoid negative consequence or get a bribe.


Have a tip you want to share? E-mail Jackie Hirschorn at hirschoj@mhawestchester.org with your Parent Tip of the Week!


This material has been adapted by MHA from materials of the ACT (Adults and Children Together Against Violence) program developed by the American Psychological Association (APA), a scientific and professional organization that represents psychology in the United States.

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