The Three Biggest Holiday Discipline Traps

‘Tis the season when cookies get their very own food group, wish lists take on a life of their own, and regular routines can end up missing in action. So how do you keep total anarchy from erupting at the very time of year when your own stress-o-meter is in overdrive? By steering clear of the top three holiday discipline traps, that’s how.

The “okay, well have it then!” discipline trap. You’ve been the model of parental patience all afternoon long, repeatedly reminding your eight year old that you’re not shopping for toys for him today. You’re hanging out in Toyland so that he can finish shopping for his younger brother. The problem is he’s determined to spend the remaining $20 in his holiday budget on a nice shiny toy truck for himself. You’ve been listening to him whine and cajole for over an hour when finally you snap. “Fine then, buy it for yourself. I just want to get out of this place.” Your son grins from ear to ear—and why shouldn’t he? He just won the battle. And not only have you taught him that “no” doesn’t necessarily mean “no.” You’ve taught him that persistence pays off. He just has to drive you crazy for an hour or more and he’ll get what he wants in the end. Bet you can’t wait for his next request....

The “I’m going to leave you here at the mall” discipline drama trap. You’ve no doubt seen this particular family drama play out. Who knows? Maybe you’ve even had a leading role. After a child throw a total fit in the checkout line, a thoroughly exasperated parent threatens to leave that child behind. The biggest thing wrong with using this particular “discipline” approach it’s that it’s not really a discipline approach at all. Discipline implies teaching and your child isn’t going to learn anything from the experience, other than that you don’t follow through on what you say you’re going to do. (Bye, bye, parenting credibility.) And if your child does believe the threat, you’ve just put your child through a pretty scary experience just to quell a temper tantrum. So don’t let the frustration of being stuck in line with an antsy child cause you to momentarily take leave of your usual parenting good sense. It so isn't worth it.

Choosing a punishment that punishes other family members, too. Saying that everyone has to miss the premiere of the season’s hottest holiday movie really is cruel and unusual punishment for those siblings who weren't involved in singing the swear-word versions of holiday carols over the phone to Grandma and Grandpa. Choose a consequence that’s linked to the offense in question and that doesn’t result in too much sibling collateral damage and the entire family will have a much happier holiday season. You'll also make those particularly lyrics a lot less memorable. And that's the whole point, isn't it?