Have you heard this definition?

“Crazy is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.” 

Yet we often go crazy because we are in a discipline rut.

So let’s STOP crazy parenting and get creative! 

S: Super hard to enforce. If the punishment doled out is harder on mom and dad or specifically difficult to enforce this will be an ineffective mode of discipline. Make your discipline doable and enforceable.

T: Training is absent. Discipline means to train. Train your child for the behavior and the character qualities you want rather than  focusing on what you don’t want.

O: Over the top consequences. “You are grounded for life” type of idea. If you have delivered a consequence  that is too big, it will be ineffective. This happens when we feel as if life (our child) is out of control and we are emotionally charged. Back up and switch it up.

P: Penalty doesn’t match the crime. For instance: taking away the cell phone when the child is late. Instead have the child owe you time (maybe paid back in chores)  or make his curfew earlier.

STOP crazy parenting and get creative. Seek to train your child’s for the character traits you want to develop. Don’t only focus on behavior.

 Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them.
Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.

Ephesians 6:4 The Message 

For more ideas on how to be creative while raising kids you may want to get these books:

Raising Little Kids with Big Love (toddler- nine)

Raising Big Kids with Supernatural Love (tween- young adult) 

with faith hope and love,
Lori






© LoriWildenberg. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Lori Wildenberg is a licensed parent and family educator, parent coach, and co-founder of 1Corinthians13 Parenting.com. She has written 6 books including Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home; The Messy Life of Parenting: Powerful and Practical Ways to Strengthen Family Connections; and her most recent book, Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety, Depression, or Suicidal Ideation. Contact Lori for your next event or for parent consulting or parent training courses. Lori can also be found mentoring over at the MOMS Together Group on Facebook.

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