Practical Ways to Discipline (Not Punish) Toddlers Through Teens #565
Feb 22, 2026
Practical strategies for handling stealing, lying, and bad attitudes from tweens to teens. Clear contrasts between punishment and discipline with ten key distinctions. Tips for teaching truth-telling, managing picky or impulse eating, and redirecting sensory-seeking behavior. Advice on calm, decisive phone and curfew management while using moments to connect and problem-solve.
21:56
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Practice Honest Confessions Together
Practice truth-telling with your child and role-play them confessing mistakes while you stay calm.
Kirk Martin describes sitting next to his tween, thanking her for honesty, and rehearsing nonreactive responses to build trust.
insights INSIGHT
Discipline Builds Skills Not Shame
Discipline differs from punishment by teaching skills and restoring connection instead of escalating consequences.
Kirk contrasts punishment's shame and erosion of trust with discipline's focus on competence and relationship building.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Build Impulse Control With Shared Small Steps
Teach impulse control through small shared practices and delayed gratification exercises.
Kirk suggests parent-child challenges like turning off screens early and offering bonus minutes later as tangible practice.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
What do you do when your child steals something and then lies right to your face about it? What about a sensory child who refuses to listen when you tell her repeatedly (like 10 times!) to STOP? Should you punish a toddler for picky eating? How do you handle a teen or tween with a bad attitude, who refuses to turn in their phone at night or breaks curfew? I’ll give you scripts and options for these situations and more. Get real strategies that work with our WINTER SALE at https://celebratecalm.com/products/
Cure is offering our listeners 20% off your first order! Stay hydrated and feel your best. Visit https://curehydration.com/CALM and use promo code CALM for 20% off your first order.
HUNGRYROOT
Go to https://Hungryroot.com/Calm and use Code CALM to get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life.
Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to https://Wayfair.comright now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.
IXL LEARNING
Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. Calm Parenting Podcast listeners get an exclusive 20% off an IXL membership when you sign up today at https://IXL.com/KIRK
Calm Parenting Podcast