This is the first podcast I've listened in on... great!! The part I love most about this is that you are parents who are in the "trenches", experiencing this stuff, these issues, right now. That fact gives what you have to say tremendous value.

I love what you have to say, and the style in which it is presented. But what it comes down to for me, at this first listen, is that whether or not I agree with everything you have to say, you have begun the dialoge. You have "us", the listeners, thinking about what we are doing as parents . Thank you!!

As an aside, you two have fabulous "radio" voices... easy to follow and interesting to listen to... I'll be back!!

When I was raising my three children I determined that I did not want to have friends and family who dreaded my children coming into their homes or in any social setting. I wanted to raise kids that respected other people's property and were polite. Using dog training is a good analogy. Unfortunately most people have pets who are as ill-trained as their children. I did manage my children in a way that garnered their respect...not fear or guilt...but RESPECT. Undisciplined children are not respectful. And they learn that from parents. If I could impart only one word of advice to parents it would be to take seriously how they show respect to others and to their children. If they don't respect themselves and other people, their children will emulate thier disrespect...and will become tyrants. Decades ago I heard Zig Ziglar say that parents with low self esteem usually have undisciplined children....because they are afraid of not being loved. Wow! What an amazing insight. And it made sense to me. I have always felt the health of my parenting was in direct proportion to the health of my own emotional growth! How about that for a philosophy! Topic for another show! Love to all...MOM MILLER

Great thoughts on a controversial subject. I have one thing to reiterate: CONSISTENCY. It's so hard to be consistent when you're a tired, worn-out parent of a preschooler. But if you're calm and consistent, your methods will pay off. Sporadic discipline sends mixed messages and confuses kids.

I had a stubborn preschooler, but I determined to be more "stubborn" than she was in calm discipline. And it does pay off! She is a happy, gentle girl of seven today. And a joy (most of the time!) to be around!

So I'm hearing you folks...
1. The dialog is as valuable as anything,
2. Respect is at the forefront,
3. Consistency is key

This is killer. Be great if this continues to be as much of a forum as it is anything else, and the comments like this will direct the topics and provide more value than Teri and I ever could alone...

Thank you!
Kevin

Holding the tongue reminds me of another little trick that works when kids are poking each other, especially in the car. Have kids sit on their hands. Ages 3 and up seem to get this. It's not very comfortable, and definitely keeps their hands to themselves.

If a puppy can understand cause & effect, then so can a child!

Ok, one more comment. First of all, I love everything you said here. The points you made are so right on.

The "hands on the wall" point was good. However, one alternative I suggest is this. I will calmly sit and tell my daughter to come to me. (this is causing her to submit to the spanking) I always tell her how many licks she will get, this helps me know I am in control. Secondly I add a lick if she does not submit. "Ok Emily you are getting 2 licks, if you do not come here you are getting 3".

Then I lay her over one of my legs (or in between) lightly holding her arms so they do not grab her bottom. The reason I do this is because my parents would do the "Hands on the couch" and I would inevitably grab my bottom and my hand would get hit.

With that said. I LOVE all the tips you gave, and really enjoyed the dialogue between the two of you. I will be listening again.

Thanks!

Angel,
Thanks for the comments and support! That medical article is amazing...as much of it as I could understand that is...

Your idea about kids sitting on their hands is great. I think we did that before but one of those things we forgot about at some point! I'll be using that with my little guys soon.

And your website is great!