#277: Avoid Emotions

It only takes a small mistake– such as incorrect hip placement– to send a novice rock climber on a painful slide back down the rock wall. In the same way, there’s a small mistake you can make in disciplining your son that can cause you to lose ground with him: getting too emotional. It can be difficult to not cry or raise your voice when addressing heavy topics with your boy. But as soon as you show emotion, two things will happen in your son’s brain– he will become distracted, and lose respect for you. Instead, regulate your own emotions by taking a deep breath, and speak to your son in concise, calm statements. He will listen more closely, and be more likely to respond calmly in turn. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.