I love being a parent. There's nothing like it.
And I know that I've not always been the perfect parent. I've let my kids get away with things they shouldn't. Talking back, sitting on the couch while I tell them "Dinners ready" for the 10th time. Not doing homework, not sending grandma a thank-you note, etc. Nothing terrible. I'm lucky!
My favorite story/lesson about disciplining kids is probably one you've heard me tell before.
We were at a KOA Campground somewhere in South Dakota and there was a mom there with her two boys, about 10 and 12 years old. They kept acting up, spitting at each other, blowing snot in the pool, not doing what she asked them.
I can still hear her.
"You boys stop it right now or we're getting out of the pool."
"Okay that's it. Get out. I mean it."
"Stop blowing snot in the pool! Okay, I mean it, you're not getting any ice cream."
"That's it, you won't stop spitting at each other. We're done. Get out. No ice cream."
This went on for probably 2 hours.
Later that day, I saw the three of them playing mini-golf. And eating ice cream.
Take a look at this great article from Parents.com and see if you're guilty of any of these.