How a family vacation taught me one of the most important lessons about parenting, discipline, and children’s habits.
The Importance of Discipline in Life
Discipline is one of the most valuable qualities a person can develop. Success, good character, and responsibility are all built upon discipline. However, discipline does not appear overnight. It is learned gradually, especially during childhood.
Children are like mirrors. They observe their surroundings and imitate what they see. Therefore, the role of parents in child development is extremely important. Parents are a child’s first teachers, and home becomes the first classroom where children learn values, manners, and good habits.
This real-life experience taught me why discipline begins at home and why teaching responsibility to children from an early age is one of the greatest gifts parents can give.
You can also go through this link to learn about Positive Discipline
A Memorable Family Vacation
During one of our vacations, we visited a beautiful town in North Bengal. My husband had booked a vacation rental, and we stayed there for five wonderful days.
The owners of the property were among the nicest people we had ever met. They were kind, polite, and always ready to help us. Their warm hospitality made our trip comfortable and memorable.
They had two sons—an elder boy studying in Class Seven and a younger child who was about five years old.
Naturally, we assumed that children raised by such gentle parents would also be well-behaved. But sometimes life teaches us that parenting is much more complicated than we imagine.
When Child Behavior Problems Become Visible
Since their house was beside our rental, we occasionally heard arguments coming from their home. One day, out of curiosity, I asked the owner about his elder son.
With a tired smile, he replied,
“He studies in Class Seven, but unfortunately, he doesn’t listen to us. Whatever we say, he prefers to do the opposite.”
My husband tried to encourage him.
“Perhaps he will become more obedient as he grows older.”
The owner smiled, but I could sense the worry hidden behind that smile.
An Evening That Changed My Perspective
On our last day, the family invited us to dinner.
That evening, I witnessed something that deeply touched me.
Their elder son returned home after playing outside. His mother repeatedly requested him to remove his shoes before entering the room.
But he ignored her.
His father asked him again.
Still no response.
He simply walked inside without caring about anyone’s words.
Soon, I noticed that he was completely absorbed in his mobile phone. He didn’t greet us. He didn’t talk to anyone. It was as though the world around him didn’t exist.
When his mother requested him to change his dirty clothes, he ignored her again.
Finally, when she took away the phone, he became extremely upset. He cried loudly and started throwing things around.
Embarrassed because guests were present, his mother returned the phone to him.
My husband and I silently looked at each other.
We could feel the helplessness of those parents.
Screen Addiction in Children: A Growing Concern
During dinner, another scene surprised me.
The boy was not eating by himself.
While his mother fed him, he continued watching videos and playing games on his phone.
Even after finishing dinner, he held the phone in one hand while washing his mouth.
Watching him, I couldn’t stop thinking about the increasing problem of screen addiction in children.
Technology itself is not harmful, but uncontrolled usage can slowly affect children’s behavior, communication skills, and self-discipline.
Parenting and Discipline: A Father’s Regret
When we were leaving, the owner suddenly said,
“I think this situation is our fault.”
I gently asked him why he felt that way.
With visible regret, he explained,
“When he was little, we fulfilled every demand. We never forced him to follow simple rules. We thought he would automatically become disciplined as he grew up.”
He continued,
“Whenever we were busy, we handed him our mobile phones to keep him occupied. Gradually, it became a habit. Today we are paying the price for our mistakes.”
Then he smiled while talking about his younger son.
“We raised our younger child differently. From an early age, we taught him simple habits. He removes his shoes after coming home. He apologizes when he forgets. Even with mobile phones, he understands limits.”
Listening to him, I realized once again that children learn more from examples than instructions.
How to Teach Discipline to Children
I tried to comfort the worried parents.
I told them,
“Please don’t lose hope. Change is always possible.”
I shared some simple suggestions:
1. Lead by Example
Children learn by observing their parents. Practice the habits you want your child to follow.
2. Limit Screen Time
Reducing excessive mobile usage is essential for healthy emotional and social development.
3. Encourage Productive Activities
Sports, reading, drawing, music, and outdoor games help children develop responsibility and self-control.
4. Be Consistent
Discipline is not punishment. It is teaching children the difference between right and wrong with patience and consistency.
5. Seek Professional Help When Necessary
If screen addiction or behavior problems become severe, consulting professionals can be extremely beneficial.
Why is discipline necessary for a child?
A Conversation With My Daughter
Later that night, after returning to our room, my daughter Rim asked,
“Mom, do you really think that boy will change?”
I smiled and replied,
“Why not, dear? Change is a part of life.”
“Sometimes responsibilities, difficult experiences, challenges, and valuable lessons transform people. It may not be easy, but no one remains the same forever.”
Rim listened carefully and then asked,
“How do you know all these things?”
I smiled and answered softly,
“Because I am your mother. And when you become a mother one day, life and experience will teach you many things too.”
Final Thoughts: Discipline Begins at Home
This incident reminded me that children are not born disciplined.
They learn discipline from the environment in which they grow.
Love is important, but love without guidance can sometimes create dependency. As parents, our responsibility is not to fulfill every desire of our children but to prepare them for life.
After all, discipline is not about controlling children.
It is about teaching them how to control themselves.
And that beautiful journey of learning begins at home.
Children learn more from observation than from instruction. I shared an experience in my article about how parents shape a child’s character through everyday actions.
https://ritusamhita.com/The Bag She Packed, The Love I UnpackedThe Bag She Packed, The Love I Unpacked
If you have had a similar experience as a parent, I would love to hear your story. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below