Say This, Not That: Smart Parenting Tips for Misbehavior

Have you ever:

Regretted something you said to your child in the heat of a conflict?
Or wished you’d spoken in a different tone?
Or repeated for the hundredth time this month, “Why don’t you listen to me?” or “When will you ever learn?”

We parents are busy, stressed, and pulled in a lot of directions and don’t always handle circumstances in just the right way.

According to authors Amber Lia and Wendy Speake, these stumbles occur because we’re not intentional about how we respond in a crisis. Their suggestion for solving this problem? Crafting a “parenting script.”

Amber and Wendy are joining me on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly to offer you practical, biblical responses to common parenting challenges. These parenting scripts will guide you in how to work through situations with your children, including:

When your child disobeys.
Helping your child deal with disappointment.
When siblings fight.
When your children sin.
Bedtime battles.
Teaching children forgiveness.
When you need to speak truth to your own heart.
When your child hurts your feelings.

If the way you handle conflict with your children isn’t working, it’s time to try something new. Learn what to do and how to do it on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

While you’re online, why not try our free parenting assessment? It will quickly give you an overview of how your family is doing in several key areas. It also offers suggestions for improving the relationships in your home.

I’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, I’ll send you a copy of Amber Lia and Wendy Speake’s book Parenting Scripts: When What You’re Saying Isn’t Working, Say Something New as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits. To make your pledge, or for more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).