Five Ways to Discipline your Children: the Balancing Act of Parenting

Breaking Cycles with true Discipline requires balance.

We balance meals, time, and checkbooks. But are we balancing the way we discipline?

Kindness and firmness are both needed.

We need to be flexible AND establish boundaries. We need to have fun AND teach skills.

Children need to know that they are loved, seen, heard, valued AND that we have expectations of them, they are accountable for their choices, and they need to be of service.

But HOW can we do this all at the same time?

Here are some examples of ways you can achieve this in just ONE SENTENCE each!

• Validate feelings: “I see that your face is frowning right now, you seem upset AND it is time to get the dishes done. Let's make some time tonight after dishes are done, to talk about your feelings.”

• Show understanding: “I can understand why you would rather be doing something else right now, AND your homework needs to be done first.”

• “I” message: “You don’t want to fold your laundry AND I don't want you to struggle finding your clothes during the week. Let's add brainstorming ways for your to successfully fold your laundry to the weekly Family Meeting Agenda”

• Follow through on a previously made agreement: “I noticed you didn’t clean your room today, and what was our agreement about when it would be done?” (Kindly and quietly wait for the answer.)

• Provide a choice: “I know you would prefer to play video games now, AND it is screen-free time. Would you like to put the phone on the counter or in my room?”

I'm not gonna lie to you; the truth is that these techniques require practice. Practice the power of "AND" with similar statements to use with daily situations with your children. Practice with your Significant Other what you will say for some common situations, or practice by yourself aloud to wire your brain for Balanced Parenting.

To learn more about ways to be kind and firm, check our eBooks out!

Allow your Parenting Journey to grow you. Trust the process and have faith in yourself and your children.

-Ms. Liomarys Reyes Santos, M.Ed

Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator