How to discipline a kid?

It's a question that will generate different responses from different people. It depends on what one believe in. In the west beating children is a crime, whereas in India it's the way to discipline. Even there is a proverb in Tamil, 'Adiyadha maadu padiyadhu'. It can be roughly translated as 'The bull that is not beaten will not obey'. This I think has not changed in India. People still condemn and beat up children but nowadays for different reasons. In early days children were reprimanded for being indisciplined. Nowadays adults reprimand and even beat children for their lack of effort in studies and for breaking their (adults) comfort zones. I hardly see a child being censured for being naughty as was in my days. Not that I am for that but just an observation.

I am strong believer that children should be taught the value of discipline and respect. I know the ill effects of being indisciplined. To me discipline means doing the right things at right time and not procrastinating. Sticking to chores that you can't do away with and learning things wholeheartedly. This is very much important. But how do we go about it.

1. Don't encourage indiscipline. Never support a child's indiscipline acts be it not studying, be it not getting up in time for school, be it not willing to learn self-management (according to age) etc.
   
2. Let them face the consequences of being indiscipline. Don't cover for your child's home work and don't protect him from people questioning him. Never protect him. But by all means don't allow anyone to beat him.
3. Talk with them on discipline and how it will benefit them in their own language. It's like "if you get up on time then you will be able to prepare well for the class test so that you answer well. Your teacher won't scold you and you will not feel bad. It is good you see".
   
4. Keep interacting with your child on what is important and what is not important for him. That gives you an idea on how he thinks and where he needs to be taught. Confront on topics that are close to his heart but you don't think will help him in the long run, 'like getting up late'. Keep the discussion going as long as you think it needs to be.
5. Talk with them on people in your life and how each and everyone is related and important to you and why. Give them a picture of what you respect and why. Why it is important to respect. Keep such interactions growing.
   
6. Fabricate some real life situations (that calls for discipline, respect, responsibility etc.) and ask them what you should have done. See how they answer and what their thought process is. If you think they needed to be realigned with the larger goals of life that is discipline and respect then you will know where to start and how to go about.
7. Give them small tests of discipline once you are sure they respond positively to your intervention. Check how they fare and discuss on the result. Tell them how you felt afterwards and how it would have been if he or she (the kid) acted the other way.
8. Give a clear picture what discipline is in terms of specific activities. Draw up a excel matrix and ask them tick their performance on a daily basis against each specific activity. Have a chat and help them on how to improve. Don't censure them but help them with a friendly hand.
9. Never sit for them, never do for them what they can do it themselves, never pamper them, always walk the talk and talk the walk.
10. If possible, lead by example. We may have allowed many indisciplined acts creep into our life and no one is better than us to tell kids about it's ill effects. So if you fail to lead by example and the kid questions you, don't lose your temper. Tell him, "it's nice to know that you spotted my indiscipline. I will improve and am sure you will lead in front. We both can together become better".
11. Spread the approach and make all the adults understand and be aware. Seek their cooperation and act in unison.
    

I hope this helps. In fact I am discovering it for myself so that I can practice what I have typed above.