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Self-Discipline For Kids & Parents



Strategies to improve self-management, impulse control, responsible decision making, and why they matter.

Remember the Marshmallow Test? Here's Why It Matters More Than Ever.


You might remember the famous "Marshmallow Test" from the 1970s: a child is offered a choice – one marshmallow now, or two marshmallows if they wait a short while. The results? Kids who could delay gratification for the bigger reward tended to have better outcomes later in life, like higher test scores and better social skills.

This study highlights the importance of self-discipline in a child's development.  But let's be honest, teaching skills like impulse control, delayed gratification, and responsible decision-making isn't always easy.

We get it.  Many of us didn't have these crucial life skills explicitly taught to us.  Our parents might not have had the resources or knowledge to focus on them.

But you know what?  The good news is, you can break the cycle! Here at Bloomster.com, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive.

Why Self-Discipline Matters

Think about the qualities that contribute to a well-rounded adult.  Self-discipline sits at the core of many of them:

  • tickAcademic Achievement: Focused study habits lead to better grades and a deeper understanding of subjects.
  • tickHealthy Habits: Self-discipline empowers your child to make healthy choices about food, exercise, and sleep.
  • tickTime Management: The ability to prioritize tasks and manage deadlines becomes crucial in school, work, and personal life.
  • tickStrong Relationships: Respecting commitments and boundaries fosters trust and stronger bonds with friends and family.
  • tickOverall Well-Being: Self-discipline helps manage stress, resist negative influences, and build resilience.
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Want To Learn More?

Below are more resources to continue learning about self-discipline for kids ages 10-15.

Blog

What Factors in Life Can Cause Lack of Self-Control in Teens?

Read More

eBook

Self-Discipline: Scenarios for Discussion and Reflection.

Download

Blog

Navigating Poor Impulse Control in Middle Schoolers: Signs and Strategies

Read More

While traditional education focuses on academic subjects, it often neglects the development of essential life skills like self-discipline. And many generations of parents did not have the tools to teach these essential skills - meaning kids from your generation (and maybe you too) were left to figure out these essential skills on their own, the hard way. That doesn't have to be your child's experience.

Skills like self-discipline will increase the likelihood of your child having a happier and more fulfilling life while also making your job as a parent easier and strengthen the bond between you and your child. Keep reading for questions and exercises you can use today to start exploring this skill with your child.

Courses To Learn Self-Discipline

If you want extra support to help your child improve their self-control, Bloomster can help. Check out The Art of Self-Discipline - Bloomster's dedicated course to teach kids the skill of self-discipline.

The Art of Self-Discipline

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Course Overview Play Icon

  • tick Develop self-discipline skills to make better decisions, resist distractions, and achieve personal goals.
  • tick Understand and manage emotions through self-discipline, improving emotional regulation, and reducing impulsive behavior.
  • tick Build healthy habits and routines that promote long-term success, such as time management, focus, and personal responsibility.
  • tick Overcome procrastination by learning strategies to prioritize tasks and stay on track in both school and personal life.
  • tick Set and achieve both short- and long-term goals, fostering resilience and commitment to personal growth.
 

Module

1

Self-Discipline 101

  • Understand the concept of self-discipline and its role in achieving personal goals and making healthy choices.
  • Identify and reflect on personal areas where self-discipline can enhance decision-making and productivity.
  • Explore strategies to strengthen impulse control and practice pausing before making decisions.
  • Recognize the difference between self-discipline and restriction, empowering personal choice and growth.
  • Learn from role models and apply self-discipline techniques to personal life for long-term benefits

Module

2

Discipline and Emotions

  • Understand how self-discipline supports emotional regulation and decision-making in high-pressure situations.
  • Develop techniques to manage emotions and pause before reacting, promoting healthier responses.
  • Explore the connection between positive thinking and self-discipline in achieving personal goals.
  • Practice balancing empathy and self-discipline in interpersonal relationships.
  • Recognize how self-discipline contributes to long-term happiness and emotional well-being.

Module

2

Good Habits, Great Life

  • Recognize the role of self-discipline in forming and maintaining healthy habits that support personal growth.
  • Develop routines and daily practices that reinforce good habits and reduce reliance on willpower alone.
  • Practice strategies to break bad habits by replacing them with positive behaviors.
  • Use habit-tracking tools to monitor progress and establish accountability in habit-building.
  • Explore the impact of family dynamics on personal habits and foster healthy routines together.

Module

4

Time and Focus Skills

  • Understand the importance of time management and identify strategies to overcome procrastination.
  • Learn techniques for prioritizing tasks to balance short-term and long-term goals effectively.
  • Develop goal-setting skills to create actionable steps for personal and academic success.
  • Practice maintaining focus and eliminating distractions to improve productivity and discipline.
  • Recognize the role of responsibility and accountability in achieving self-discipline and personal goals.

How Parents Can Teach Self-Discipline To Kids

Use our questions and exercises below to assess and find natural ways to boost your child's self-discipline in everyday life.

Questions to ask about self-discipline:

Task Completion:

Do you finish your homework without reminders or distractions?
How do you handle chores and responsibilities?

Impulse Control:

Do you often act without thinking?
How do you react to frustration or disappointment?

Time Management:

Do you struggle with managing your time effectively?
Do you often procrastinate on tasks?

Goal Setting:

Do you set goals for yourself?
Do you stick to your plans, or do you easily get sidetracked?

Self-Monitoring:

Are you aware of your own behavior and how it affects others?
Do you take responsibility for your actions?

Exercises to improve self-discipline:

Habit Tracking:

Have your child track a specific habit, such as daily exercise or reading.

Discuss any challenges they face and strategies to overcome them.

Time Management Challenge:

Assign your child a specific task, such as cleaning their room or studying for a test.

Time them and discuss their approach to the task.

Delayed Gratification Experiment:

Set up a simple experiment, like offering a small reward now or a larger one later.

Discuss their decision-making process and how they felt.

Mindfulness Exercises:

Practice mindfulness techniques like deep breathing and meditation.

This can help improve focus and self-awareness.

Role-Playing Scenarios:

Create hypothetical situations that require self-discipline, such as dealing with peer pressure or managing a conflict.

Discuss different strategies for handling these situations.

We recommend working these questions and exercises into your daily routine in small increments where conversation can happen easily. Some examples could be:

In the car on the way to school or sports practice.

While doing chores together.

Or, during dinner time.

The goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where your child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Even a few minutes a day makes a huge difference in the long run!

If you have concerns about your child's self-discipline, consider a social-emotional learning program like Bloomster that has been developed and reviewed by a team of licensed teachers, PhDs, clinical practitioners, and psychologists that specialize in childhood development.

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Why Holistic Education Matters

Today's world is hard on parents. Especially parents of adolescents. Currently, schools are not teaching these vital skills, let alone making them a priority.

If you feel like you don't have enough time to teach your child all the skills they need to become capable adults - you have found the solution.

If you want your child to be a better problem-solver, more independent, responsible, a better communicator, or to improve their attitude and mindset - holistic education is the answer.

Studies have consistently shown that children who receive holistic education go on to become more well-rounded adults who are less stressed, have healthier relationships, more successful careers, and happier lives.

 

Meet Course Creator,
Melissa Miletic

Melissa is a dynamic educator with over ten years of experience in education, beginning her journey with a transformative volunteer stint abroad at 18. She has since navigated all facets of education, from policy-making to classroom teaching, driven by her multicultural upbringing and a deep belief in the value of diversity. Committed to providing holistic, inclusive, and high-quality education, Melissa strives to impact learners across all demographics and geographies. Her approach blends modern methodologies with a global perspective, aiming to make learning engaging, relevant, and accessible to everyone. Holding a double bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Communication from the University of South Florida and a master’s in International Education from New York University, Melissa’s expertise lies in crafting educational experiences that resonate universally. Her professional and personal mission is to champion education as a transformative force, bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding in a connected world.

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