Summary: “What should I do?” When parents come to us for help they ask the same question. It’s a really important question. But there is no one right answer. What works for one parent may not work for another. What works today may not work tomorrow. And what does it even mean “it worked?” That a child behaved the way I wanted? That she learned the lesson I wanted her to learn? That he developed a new skill or value? This issue of disciplining children is so much more complicated than we’d like it to be in our day of quick answers and fast formulas. That is why we have developed an approach to misbehavior called “Discipline that Connects.” It’s an approach designed to be simple, but with great respect for the uniqueness of each situation and individual. We address the question “what should I do?” by giving parents a set of goals they can fully control – goals not about their kid’s behavior, but about their own. Briefly stated, “Discipline that Connects” means taking control of the messages you relay to your kids when you discipline. You set a goal to be sure your kids know they’re safe, hear a message of love, remember they are capable, and know that they are responsible. Taking control of communicating these messages is something every parent can do. Making sure your kids behave properly is up to them. Parents who embrace the Discipline that Connects approach report significant changes in their homes. This year we are launching a Year of “Discipline That Connects”. Our website, our parenting tips, our videos, everything this year will be geared towards passing the life-transforming message of “Discipline that Connects” to parents far and wide. We will also be spotlighting a special “Discipline that Connects” parenting tip series, so keep an eye out for that in the coming weeks. We hope you join us for an invigorating year of growth in God’s grace and peace for parenting! Today’s “Discipline that Connects” quick tip: Before disciplining your child, stop, take a breath, and pray for God’s wisdom. [Photo Credit: Kai Chiang | iStockphoto.com]
