Use empathy instead of anger

I really like Love and Logic's approach to parenting. Each week I get an email "blurb" from them reminding me of ways to be a better parent. When I look at cute pictures of the kids I can only want to be a better parent to them.

Why is it so important to at least look calm and collected as we provide consequences for our children's misbehavior? Because…

Anger creates resentment and rebellion.

Empathy ups the odds of genuine remorse and responsibility.

Anger says, "I can barely handle you!"

Empathy communicates, "I'm such a great parent that I can handle you without breaking a sweat!"

Anger creates kids who get sneaky and do irresponsible things behind our backs.

Empathy creates kids who are more likely to behave even when we aren't watching them.