How To Discipline Without Hardening Your Child’s Heart (Free Mini-Book)

Want to discipline your child without damaging relationship? Add these positive discipline tips and ideas to your parenting toolbox.

It was lunch recess and a small handful of us lingered inside after eating our lunch. Somehow we got distracted and started a game of tag.

We were only six and had forgotten that we should be outside.

Our teacher came in and she was furious to find us there. She responded harshly. We were made to stand in front of the class in disgrace.

Then one by one  we had our upturned palms slapped hard with a ruler.

There are some things you never forget

50 years later this scene is still etched into my memory.

I was last in line to be punished. By the time the teacher turned to me I had made a decision. When my teacher whipped my hand, I  would look her right in the eye and not cry. I still remember her momentary look of shock when our eyes locked and she saw my resolve.

In that moment of punishment something happened to me. I was the kind of child that worked really hard to please, but in an instant my soft heart turned as hard as stone towards my teacher.

My relationship with her was completely damaged, because I could no longer trust her.

I do not remember anything she taught me that year. All I remember how that teacher treated me. Strangely I don’t remember her name, but I certainly recall my feelings towards her.

Put yourself in the shoes of a six-year-old child learning how to behave in school. What would motivate you to do better the next time?

• Being forced to stand in front of your class to be shamed and subjected to physical punishment or
• A gentle reminder of the rules and a caution of possible consequences the next time you forgot.

Which approach would build connection and relationship?

Children Who Feel Connected Are Less Likely to Act Out

Tip: Did you know that kids who feel connected to their parents are less likely to act out?It only takes 12 minutes of connection to make a positive difference in children’s behaviour. 

The WAY We Discipline Our Children Has Far Reaching Effects

There is a big difference between helpful guidance and a response that damages relationship. If we cross that line too many times we will hurt our children. They will throw up their defences. Their hearts will harden towards us. Sometimes we can even break their spirit.

I’ve worked with children and young people for 40 years. I saw firsthand what happens when a child’s spirit is broken. I have also seen children’s hearts harden towards their parents. It is a really sad thing to witness.

I want to be clear. I’m not saying that we shouldn’t guide or instruct our children. What I really want us to think about HOW we do it.

What I Have Learned About Discipline

• Shame brings fear, BUT encouragement builds up confidence.
• Yelling silences, BUT listening invites real communication.
• Blame wounds deeply, BUT grace brings healing.
• Criticism discourages, BUT acceptance wins trust.
• Harshness hardens hearts, BUT gentleness softens them.
• Unconditional love ALWAYS wins.

Related: 70 Positive Things to Say To Your Children

• Frustrated because your daughter comes home and dumps her bag and shoes right in front of the door?
• Fed up with nagging your reluctant children to get up in the morning?
• Tired that your son seems to think washing is optional?

Yes we need to address these (and many other) issues, but before we do anything let’s make a vow to choose relationship first. We CAN offer guidance in ways that builds up our children’s spirit.

A Free Webinar to Help

Are you a parent who struggles to get your kids to LISTEN?  No matter how many times you ask, remind, nag, or yell. You know you need to discipline, but you want to do it without hardening your child’s heart. Can I encourage you to take advantage of this FREE class taught by expert Amy McCready (you might have seen her on The TODAY Show).

Amy knows exactly WHY kids act the way they do and has a magical, NO-YELLING formula for consequences. And she’ll share it with you…for FREE! 

How to Discipline a Child Without Hardening Their Heart

• Let’s focus on our children’s efforts RATHER than the outcome. Celebrate those efforts!
• Stop overreacting to kid mishaps and minor incidents. Accidents and mistakes happen, but they are not the end of the world.
• Love them regardless of what they do or don’t do.
• Use this genius approach when dealing with a pouting child and conflict.
• Save our guidance for things that are dangerous or life changing, (rather than commenting on every single thing our children do wrong).
• Resist the urge to compare our children to others; they will develop at their own time and pace. They will also do things their own way.
• Use hair ties to help you balance one negative interaction with five positive ones.
• Demonstrate by our responses that failure is not the end of the world. We can always try again tomorrow.
• Acknowledge our own mistakes and work to make amends when we’ve done something wrong.
• Let them to take responsibility for their own lives and decisions.
• Help them find tools (such as check lists and timers) that empower them to own their lives.
• Allow them suffer the natural consequences of being late (or not getting things done). Then discuss strategies to avoid making the same mistake.

Looking For More Positive Parenting Ideas?

Every child needs guidance and instruction as they grow. It is often one of the hardest parts of parenting.

We can nurture a child’s heart and discipline them at the same time. I have seen it happen and it is wonderful.