Self Control vs Self-Discipline & a Parenting Application

I have been thinking a lot lately about self control. As I’ve been studying about it, I am realizing it is a lot bigger than we really think at first glance. Self-control covers SO many facets.

Things like kids whining is actually a lack of self control, same as losing our temper. And I think that’s important to remember as we are trying to train our children. It’s important to have conversations with them about self control vs just whining or doing what they want to do instead of what they should do.

Eating too much (or eating foods you shouldn’t 🙋‍♀️🤦‍♀️)? It’s a lack of self-control or self-discipline; I also feel these are similar & interchangeable to a certain extent.

Self-control definition: “the ability to control oneself, in particular one’s emotions and desires or the expression of them in one’s behavior, especially in difficult situations.”

Self-discipline definition: “the ability to control one’s feelings and overcome one’s weaknesses; the ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it.”

Your emotions drive everything that you want, everything that you do. Self control must come first & self-discipline comes after. Self-control is more emotional (not eating what you shouldn’t eat, saying “No, I don’t need to buy that right now, I really can’t afford it.” Where self-discipline is more physical, doing what you don’t really want to do; getting out of bed when the alarm goes off instead of staying in bed.

What are your thoughts?