What does Self-Discipline look like?

• Complete their assignments
• Stay on task
• Wait to be called on
• Try again and again
• Ignore peer pressure
• Control their tempers
• Work toward personal goals

These would be great books to read with your child to talk about the Character Trait SELF-DISCIPLINE.
You can get them at Elden School Library or Baldwinsville Public Library.

 

Want to learn more about your children? Then get out the marshmallows.

Here’s how it works: Tell them they can have one marshmallow now — or wait and have two in 15 minutes. According to the famous study first done by psychology professor Walter Mischel 40 years ago (click here for a recreation), children’s ability to wait (or not) says a lot about how well they’ll do in school, with friends, and with family. And, incredibly, waiting for that extra marshmallow can even predict their success as adults — in work and relationships.

If your kids are the “I want the marshmallow now!” type, don’t worry. The news is still good: Learning to control emotions and behavior is a skill that can be taught. In fact, a recent study published by theJournal of Abnormal Child Psychologyfound that teaching self-control techniques to elementary school-age children who had difficulty reining in their emotions and behavior significantly reduced suspensions and other disciplinary problems.

That said, knowing how to think before acting can be especially difficult for very young children. But by helping them practice over and over (and over), parents are providing one of life’s most valuable skills.