When a parent gets out of control, the child gets out of control, the situation escalates out of control, and the result is usually punishment, not discipline. Over time this leads to the erosion of the parent-child relationship. Effective discipline promotes self reliance and personal responsibility. Discipline is concerned not only with the here and now but with the future as well. Make sure the discipline you use is consistent with the goals you have for your children.
Effective discipline builds effective individuals and relationships that last.
Finally, there is no such thing as a perfect child or a perfect parent. Give yourself permission to make mistakes, but remember to learn from them and use them as motivation to do better. Your children will undoubtedly give you Carolyn C. Waterbury-Tieman is a parent educator and certified marriage and family therapist who has been in practice for over 10 years. She is a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Inc. All rights reserved.