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The word perfect should be a synonym for non-existent. Perfect is a word best suited to marketing strategies. Perfect belongs with new, improved and better than ever! According to Merriam-Webster, one of the definitions of the word myth is a person or a thing having only an imaginary or unverifiable existence. That nicely sums up the myth of the perfect discipline strategy.

Parents seeking the perfect discipline strategy for their children are indeed chasing a mythological beast. Any parent who seeks to be the very best parent he or she can be should be applauded. However, seeking the answers from external sources only stands to take time away from the true source of the best answers for you and your child. The answers lie within.

There is no such thing as a perfect' discipline strategy. The best answers for one family may be the worst for another, what works for one child, may not work for another in the same family. What works for a three year old may not work for a four year old. Children don't follow standard recipes.

Some basic foundation principles of discipline will remain the same, of course. Guidelines for safety and health are fairly universal. But even these can vary widely across cultures and ideals. As a prime example; some native cultures do not prevent small children from playing near fire. The idea is simple enough; once a lesson is learned the hard way, it isn't soon forgot.

It may sound horrifying to not protect your child from being burnt, but the underlying principle of allowing children to learn life lessons is sound. Many of today's problems can be attributed to overprotecting children to the extent the never learn how to deal with cause and effect. For those of you gasping in horror at this moment, this is an extreme example. This article is certainly not meant to advocate allowing children to play with fire.

Finding the best discipline strategy for yourself and your child really only requires tuning' in to your child. Be aware of what makes your child tick. Take note of what makes you tick. The days are gone for most of the western world where Mom stayed home cooking and cleaning while Dad worked 9 5, Monday through Friday. Grandma's house isn't over the river and through the woods. Kids are more likely to be playing video games than they are playing ball in the backyard.

Adjust your discipline strategy to suit your lifestyle and that of your family. Don't waste precious time searching for the perfect' discipline strategy. Listen to your children and your inner voice. Perfect only exists in a perfect world. The myth of the perfect discipline strategy is exactly that: a myth.

Learn more about this author, Tina Hartley.
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