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Parents who are seeking a full spectrum of help from their prenatal classes would do well to have a discipline module incorporated into their prenatal classes. Even parents who have children already can use extra help in knowing how, when, and why discipline is an important part of life for their children. The question is, "Who is the boss?" Some newborns come here wanting to answer that question with a loud yell that makes mom and dad run to the crib, snatch him up as though an earthquake was occuring, and then embrace him with tender love until he decides to calm down and go back to sleep. Their tired, sleep deprived faces are evidence that they are not the boss at that point. Later, if the crying keeps up, and mom and dad concede to the never ending demands of the baby, they will find themselves ill equipped to handle even everyday life affairs. Making it clear that the parents are in charge to even the newborn can bring relief at an early age, and save many heartaches in the future.

Prenatal classes teach parents the best methods for helping them to conserve their vital forces of energy as well as meet their son or daughter's nutrition, hygiene and fundamental
needs at the same time. It is hectic at first, but irons out later. Eventually parents have to plan how they will survive child rearing and not allow it to stress them out. Discipline begins, of course, with disciplined parents. They have to realize that order is and equity will abide in their schedules and routines. They have to set priorities and run their household in such a way as to accomplish all that needs their attendance for their short term and long term goals. As parents establish their boundaries for themselves, so must they set up equal markers and boundaries for their children. Here is where discipline comes into play. I see discipline as a necessity for existance.

Because there are various schools of thought as to what discipline should be, the instructor in a prenatal class may have some techniques that will work if applied. However, many parents are comfortable with their own methods which are working for them in their homes.
Some parents have a consequence based discipline school of thought, and others resort to a rewards and punishment system. Some homes have stern lectures, time outs, and family discussions. Others raise their children the same way they were brought up. Because children vary in disposition, it is always good to recognize that not all methods work for all children. Some children see through lax methods of discipline and begin to rule the home and parents until there is nothing left but parents who throw their hands up in full surrender. Others, who love an orderly home, demand that their children respect others in the home and participate as a member of the family keeping in mind that the parents are the bosses.

I see no harm in allowing a prenatal class to touch on discipline. What really matters is that would-be parents, and parents who already have children know that they are equipped with information which will invariably make their lives easier and fuller. Because knowledge is power, every parent should be adequately equipped with the same. After all, when baby comes,
he/she will be coming into the world, and for at least 18 years or so, parents will need all the knowledge and power they can acquire.

Learn more about this author, Toni Doswell.
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