Discipline

". . . get down and weep with them if necessary, and get them to shed tears with you if possible. Soften their hearts; get them to feel tenderly towards you. Use no lash and no violence, but . . . approach them with reason, with persuasion and love unfeigned."
--Joseph F. Smith

Doesn't every parent question their discipline measures once in a while? I came across this quote in the Ensign last month (I think it was in the article about Fathers). Anyway, it's been hanging on our fridge for a month and can I just tell you how helpful Justin and I have found it to be?!?!

We learn at Prader-Willi Conferences' that one of the best ways to get through to children is "low tone, low emotion!" This is constantly said amongst me and Justin and it really does work. If the kids don't see us stressed, over excited, or anxious--they're not either. We have also always been firm believers in discipline with love, but sometimes in the heat of the moment it's not so lovely!

I love the moments of complete calm when a child has been struggling, tears running down their cheeks, sitting on the stool--hating it and we have a break through moment when they feel like they're being listened to, I feel like I'm getting my love through and we've all actually learned something where the spirit is present!

I know that this quote will continue to help us when are children are young and I can certainly think back to many times with my own parents where this technique got through to me when I was a silly teenager. It's nice to have "truth" and "light" that will work in any discipline moment!