Thoughts for the Week:

Discipline means different things to different people, but I like to think of it as a way adults help children develop self-discipline. Developing self-control is a gradual process for children and when we set limits on their actions and behavior, we're slowly teaching them to set those limits for themselves.

It can be very frightening for children to have no limits -- to feel that no one will stop them from hurting themselves or other people. Discipline doesn't have to mean punishment. It can just as well mean a grownup's loving way of controlling children's behavior until they can exercise that control by themselves.

Summary of the Week:

The focus of this week is self-discipline. Whether children are learning to ride a bike or play a piano, they can't achieve their goals just by wishing or pretending. What helps is the discipline of practicing the new skill over and over until it is mastered. Along with that reward comes the secure feeling of inner discipline that develops when you're in control of yourself.

Olympic Gold Medal skating star Peggy Fleming takes to the ice with Mister Rogers and talks about the long years of practice to master her sport. She says that she loved to skate so much "that the work of learning was fun." There are also visits to a doll factory to see that "dolls are put together piece by piece but people are born all together and grow together," a piano-roll factory, and a blanket factory.

When Lady Elaine Fairchilde gets out of control in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, the "Chief of Discipline" recommends meaningful discipline -- one which is a learning experience, not just a punishment.