Are there any disciplinary actions your parents used that you are now using

[hipcoolmama]

Did any of your parents use discipline techniques that you now use yourself (that you would consider GD)?

[NiteNicole]

When I was about 17 I was babysitting one of my cousins who was something of a spiller. When he knocked over a glass of milk for about the 9823rd time that day, I was ready scream. My mom stepped in and said in this chirpy voice, "Oops, that's ok...help me find something to clean this up" and had him cleaning and chatting whereas I was ready to just...uuuugggghhh :

I know this isn't what you're looking for but that moment kind of defines the kind of parent I want to be. Is it important? Was it an accident? Can I diffuse this situation?

[IdentityCrisisMama]

Yea. DC is in school now and told me on her second day that she didn't want to go. I knew whe was ready for school and that the place was a really, really good fit for her but I told her she didn't have to go if she didn't want to. She changed her mind as soon I said that. My parents never "made" me go to school but I always went.

[irinam]

I guess not "making" me eat would qualify. Food was there, it was up to me to get it and eat it.

I went one step further - I actually put food on the table (but that's as far as I go )

[LynnS6]

The kitchen timer!! It's my all time favorite parenting 'tool'. I come from a family who transitions badly. None of us like quick changes. So, when we need to change activities/get ready, I set the timer. I tell the kids "when the timer beeps, it will be time to ....." When we're out, I give a verbal 5-3-1 minute warning. I know it doesn't work well for everyone, but it works really well for us. In fact, I thought that everyone used a timer to help with transitions until my SIL came along. My nephew, being one of 'us', transitions badly. They would have major meltdowns coming and going to my parents house, until my mom gently suggested the timer. with 5 minutes warning, he was just fine getting his stuff together to leave!

Not sure if this is discipline: Not making an issue out of food. I make dinner, we eat. I encourage the kids to try things, but if they refuse, no big deal. If they eat a lot, fine. If they don't, fine. I just hate it when people say to my kids "you're such a good eater!" (like that takes skill?

Family dinners. Every night.

[EnviroBecca]

I feel that about 90% of what my parents did for discipline was "right".

Of course, a lot of what I can remember them doing isn't appropriate for the age my son is now. But one thing I do a lot that reminds me of my dad (and his mother!) is reacting to misbehavior with a look of surprise and a sort of baffled-but-still-warm voice saying, "Why did you do THAT?!" It manages to convey, "We don't do that," without overtones of, "I don't like you."

[mamaduck]

Not discipline techniques per say, no. I'm pretty much learning to discipline from scratch.

But there are other ways of relating that I make a real effort to repeat. For example, my parents never talked "down" to us when they were conversing with us. They used big words, were willing to encounter deep topics, etc. Also, they allowed us to have some important resposibilities. That always made me feel like I contributed, and that the things I did mattered. And they told us stories about their lives and their childhoods, without moralizing them. I have to try hard at this one -- I don't naturally feel inclined to talk about myself and tell stories on myself. But my parents story telling meant a lot to me, so I try with my kids. They love hearing about when I was little.

Sorry if that was a big tangent.

[Joannarachel]

Not a one

[monkeysmommy]

Well, my mom never used punishment, only redirection. My parents never made me clean my plate, and they never made me eat things I didn't like. My dad said, "I don't have to eat things I don't like, why should she?"

Also like another poster said, my dad never talked "down" to me. I remember we used to go to church and they had a "children's church" during the service. My dad didn't want to send me to "children's church" because he said that the children should be welcome in the regular service. He believed that families should be able to worship together.

I am actually way more "strict" than my parents were. I never had a bedtime, I was allowed to walk to the corner store by myself and spend my entire allowance on candy and eat the whole thing in one sitting, brushing my teeth was not enforced, and now I have about 8000 cavities. Also I never had to do any chores and when I moved out I didn't know how to do ANYTHING. It was really embarrassing.

[allgirls]

yes...I do nothing my mother did and try to do exactly as my father did...I try to be kind and patient and understanding and loving...and to not sweat the small stuff...in fact he really didn't sweat the big stuff too much either and I also aim for that....I miss that man