Discipline is one of the hardest parts of being a mom and it’s the number one topic I get asked about. I bet we could do a hundred Tips all about discipline and still not cover all the questions moms have. And no matter what the question is, my advice usually comes back to the five things I’ve listed below. So here you have it mommas, Karen Stubbs’ Five Keys to Disciplining Well. Let me know what you think!

1. One size does not fit all. I had four children and each of them responded differently to discipline. If time-outs do not change the behavior of your child the next time that particular situation arises, then time-outs are not effective. Get creative! Think about what your child’s “currency” is. For instance, do they love playing with their friends after their homework is done? Try taking that privilege away the next time they need discipline and see if that method is effective. For teenagers, cars and phones, going out with friends and accessing social media are all privileges that can be revoked if needed for discipline.

2. Be consistent. I say this all the time, but it is foundational moms. It sounds simple and I know it’s not easy, but it is better when your children know what to expect.

3. Set expectations. This one is so helpful moms. Before going into the grocery store, doctor office, church, etc, communicate to your children what behavior you are wanting to see from them. You are training your children and just like an athlete, they are not going to have perfect performance every time. But if you continue to remind them what kind of behavior is expected, eventually they will internalize the “rules” for the doctor’s office and then at last they will obey them.

4. You are the boss. Don’t apologize for being the boss.

5. Do the hard work early on. Trust me mommas, it will make your job easier in the long run. These early years you are laying a foundation and the smoother the foundation is, the sturdier your building is going to be.