Article Series

Discipline-based parenting consistently makes the effort to communicate fairly and clearly; punishment-based parenting is not concerned with communicating either clearly or fairly. 

Discipline-based parenting is consistent, predictable and whenever possible, involves predetermined consequences.  Punishment-based parenting is inconsistent, unpredictable, and minimizes the importance of predetermined consequences.

Discipline-based parenting teaches and helps internalize values that can be applied by their kids in other life situations. Punishment-based parenting only teaches kids that, “I’d better not get caught next time!”

Discipline-based parenting helps create intimacy, along with an ability and willingness in kids to trust others. Punishment-based parenting creates distance, anger, and kids who find it difficult to trust others.

Discipline-based parenting takes place when parents are still in control of their emotions; punishment-based parenting takes place out of anger, frustration, and with very little self-control.

Discipline-based parenting views unacceptable behaviors and challenges to authority as normal and even inevitable.  Punishment-based parenting rejects the idea that challenges are normal and inevitable.

Discipline-based parenting recognizes the differences between childhood mistakes, and challenges to their authority; punishment-based parenting does not consider the differences between the two.