Children need discipline and a routine helps as well.  But when you’re on your own, this can be hard to manage.  It usually helps when there is someone there to back you up, to support your decisions, or to be the second voice against the arguments and debate that come from the children against their punishments.

Being alone in this can be a double edged sword.  At times it can be liberating because your word is law, what you say goes.  Usually the kids learn this and understand that whatever your decision is, it’s final.  Sometimes we don’t always agree with our spouse over matters of discipline or how to handle a situation and this can lead to arguments with each (more…)