Category Discipline
The Parenting Pitfall We All Get Stuck In
Thereโs a parenting pitfall that nearly all parents get stuck in at some point: โIf my child behaves well, I am a good parent. If my child misbehaves, I am a bad parent.โ Stated so bluntly, itโs obviously not true,โฆ
What’s the Best Way To Discipline?
Much has been written about how to discipline. Thousands of books, with hundreds of methods. Unfortunately, most recommended methods are limited in their ability to apply to every situation. And when parents get hung up on one particular method, discipline canโฆ
When Kids Say “I Hate You!” How Can Parents Respond?
โI hate you!โ There are certainly plenty of parents who have heard those disrespectful words. Some parents are deeply hurt (โI canโt believe you would say that, after all I do…โ) while others get intensely angry (โItโs not okay toโฆ
What I Learned from a Really Ugly Moment Last Week
You know how sometimes you look back and think, “WHY in the world did I say that!?” I had a moment like that last week. It was uglyโฆ but I learned a lot! Hereโs what happened: In a state of discouragement and stress,โฆ
What to Do When I Don’t Approve of My Child’s Friends
Peer relationships carry increasing influence as children grow up. And sometimes, these relationships can be reason for parents to feel increasingly anxious. Kids may choose good friends or they may not. Parents, wanting whatโs best for their kids, have aโฆ
Equip Kids To Apologize Like They Mean It
When kids fight, parents typically try to resolve things by telling the kids they have to say theyโre sorry. While parents may be aware that this can be a very shallow, โgo through the motionsโ sort of consequence for kids, they mayโฆ
Are We Setting Our Kids Up to Be Uncooperative?
Parents can get in ruts. Thatโs true for me and Iโm pretty sure it is for you, too. One rut that is familiar to many is the hurried race out the door because โweโre going to be late!!โ Or howโฆ
How Do Your Kids Feel When You Discipline Them?
As a typically impatient, “get it done” sort of dad, I found myself in our early parenting years using my big voice and strong presence to move my kids into action. This approach worked great for me! …But my wife Lynne,โฆ
Are You Punishing Your Child for Following Your Example?
We’ve all done it. Our kids misbehave. Then, we get angry. We raise our voices a bit to get our kids’ attention. We furrow our brows and perhaps put our hands on our hips (which makes us look even moreโฆ
One of the Biggest Deterrents to Effective Discipline…
One of the biggest deterrents to effective discipline is that parents get upset. Then they use their big upset emotions to push outcomes. The younger kids are, the more this works to manage behavior. But over time, as kids tire ofโฆ