“Kid’s, stop fighting!” This may be a common phrase, but it doesn’t make it an effective phrase. “Stop touching me!!” “I was here first!” “Give me that!” Ah, yes, the familiar sounds of sibling rivalry. Sadly, there is no formula to eliminate sibling squabbles, but it can help to think of fighting as communication—albeit notContinue reading “Teach Your Kids to Fight.”
Tag Archives: positive discipline
What is “Biblical Discipline”?
We’ve got two words here, “biblical” and “discipline.” Let’s start with the easier one, “discipline.” First and foremost, it is not a euphemism. “Spanking,” “discipline,” and “the rod” are examples of euphemisms when they are used in place of hitting a child. These euphemisms are misleading and deceptive, designed to minimize the reality of whatContinue reading “What is “Biblical Discipline”?”
The Truth About Consequences
Should consequences be in the Christian parent’s tool box? Absolutely! Consequences can serve as powerful teaching moments for children; however, too often parents twist them into thinly veiled punishments, ultimately diminishing the valuable lesson that could be learned. Let’s find out how to effectively use consequences and why it might be best kept at theContinue reading “The Truth About Consequences”
To Raise Generous Children, Say No to Forced Sharing!
What to do instead? Teach them how to take turns. There is nothing inherently wrong with sharing, but the concept is vague and abstract. We need to resist the urge to “fix” the problem and instead resolve to teach our children how to be responsible for solving their own problems, A far more impactful “houseContinue reading “To Raise Generous Children, Say No to Forced Sharing!”
Flourishing Homes and Families Q&A
Discover the 5 burning questions I asked the authors of my new favorite parenting book: The Flourishing Family! Q: Amanda and David, can you tell me a little bit about your backgrounds and what you hope the book will achieve? A: Examining Christian parenting through the lens of sound theology is really important to us.Continue reading “Flourishing Homes and Families Q&A”
I Hate “Gentle” Parenting.
Oh, not the practice. Just the word gentle. Not sure who needs to hear this, but successfully navigating the complex parent-child relationship doesn’t happen by simply watching a few viral parenting clips on social media. Sadly, that seems to be the preferred process for many, especially the critics. A Christian thought leader might read aContinue reading “I Hate “Gentle” Parenting.”
Stop Telling Children What Not to Do.
Giving directions in the negative form (what not to do) can even be confusing for adults, not to mention a small child with limited cognitive abilities. Instead, say what you want to see. To encourage our young children to cooperate (or “listen”), our words must clearly communicate exactly what it is we want from them.Continue reading “Stop Telling Children What Not to Do.”
The Easiest Parenting Tool You’re Not Using
This easy switch lands itself in my Top 3 Tools Every Parent Needs list. Check it out: “I know you want to keep playing, and it’s time for bed.” Did you catch that? The and instead of but? This simple change is not some magic parenting hack to get your children to listen to you—notContinue reading “The Easiest Parenting Tool You’re Not Using”
“I Have to Spank my Toddler to Teach Her Not to Run Into the Street.”
No you don’t. A young child cannot be held accountable for their own safety. It is an unreasonable assumption to expect a child to choose to avoid danger or to reliably comply with verbal instructions when safety is on the line. For instance, if a young child were to be struck by a car, theContinue reading ““I Have to Spank my Toddler to Teach Her Not to Run Into the Street.””
“Happy to Help!”
When respectful communication doesn’t get cooperation, say this: “Would you like to do it by yourself, or would you like my help?” … “Sure! I’m happy to help.” Let’s pretend you have at least 2 children. Your youngest is struggling to unscrew the new cap on the toothpaste tube, and he asks Big Brother, “WillContinue reading ““Happy to Help!””
Feelings: Don’t fight them. Don’t feed them.
Feelings are neither good nor bad. They just are. We know we shouldn’t suppress and stuff our feelings down, but how do we do that without getting stuck in them? So glad you asked: Practice to observe and describe what you are feeling. When you first have a feeling that catches your attention, a flickerContinue reading “Feelings: Don’t fight them. Don’t feed them.”
No Drama Discipline by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
Buy ✅ No Drama Discipline is the book that really ignited my passion and pursuit of respectful parenting. This book not only takes you on a deep dive into a child’s neurological development, but also provides insights into how well-intentioned parents can inadvertently make misbehavior worse. The book uses well placed cartoon illustrations to makeContinue reading “No Drama Discipline by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson”
Resources for Christian Discipline 