Dr. James Dobson, Christian author of The Strong-willed Child, gave this advice: decide whether the behavior is "childish irresponsibility " or "willful defiance. " I found these "lanes" are surprisingly simple to apply!

Being a parent is, without question, the hardest thing I've every done. Lord have mercy!

Related to that mom sooo much with my almost 3 year old. Thank you for this clip, I needed it!

Patience, love and respect that’s what I used. If you lose your temper you apologize. Let kids be kids, explain why they cannot do things for safety purposes, and understand that they are trying and willing to learn … so teach them and as time goes they will learn. But always patience and love. Toddlers can be easily distracted. I never spanked a toddler or screamed at them. If they are upset out … evaluate and leave if they have a melt down that won’t stop.

Mom to 3 girls (14,11,2) I think it's okay to have a good cry once awhile or having that examination of consciousness helps. But, videos like these REALLY help the most. Last night I too questioned "what am I doing wrong?"

Excellent segment!

I think it is helpful to be specific with toddlers. Instead of “put your shoes AWAY,” say, “Put your shoes by the door/on the shoe rack/in your room.” Because what does “away” mean to a toddler?

I am listening to this discussion and know I tried so many times to do exactly as Dr. Matt described. My kids are not 43 and 41, but wow did I try. Great advice and I see that they also tried their best with their kids. My frustration and quest for patience everyday is with my husband with Alzheimer's who really does act like a 2 year old, 4 year old in so many situations. I know he will never learn nor remember, so I keep asking every day for him to complete certain tasks. God help me and I lean on Jesus minute by minute!!

I’m glad I’m not a dingus! 😂 Marvelous clip. Sharing with my kids who are in this stage of parenthood right now. 👍🏽🙏

He's still just a baby! He didn't come with a built-in flight plan. And some kids do take longer. Frustrating as it is, he's just beginning to learn. God bless the mom who wrote in, for trying to maintain a balance between teaching self-discipline and healthy personality growth.

💘Wonderful interview with Dr. Matt, Matt. 💘I seem to need and like repetition too, does this mean part of me is still a small child, he he...? 💘 Praying for you and your lovely family, and wishing you the most wonderful January ever!🙏

More parenting videos please!

I'm no dingus! I'm already subscribed! Thanks for putting out content that can help us grow in relation to God. May He bless you Matt & Matt and you as well Gabriel.

great shirt and coat!

I have a lot of memories of my parents being very frustrated with me and losing their patience. They weren't around most of the day and there was little room for learning discipline so when I failed a lot I just felt like a huge disappointment to my stressed out parents. Sigh. I didn't know these things mattered. I'm still wary if this very understanding way of parenting will make overly sensitive children. Then again, I'm pretty sensitive myself. I'm just not sure. Whatever the case, I'm grown and hopefully will become a mom too. This is a helpful clip.

pleaaasssee Matt I need to know where you got that vest

It makes me so sad to see that most Hispanic parents spank their toddlers. I keep telling them their toddlers do not understand that what they do is wrong. I can see the babies unbelief that dad spank him... it is so frustrating and sad for me to see that.

❤

A lot of Christian parents confuse “discipline” which just means, “teaching,” with “punishing.” And then they cannot engage a baby, who is always learning, without doing something designed to upset the baby, because “iM dIsCiPlInIngg”

Dingo is a wild Aussie dog!

That's a wonderful tid-bit!

Mr. Fradd, have I missed your call?

Love the comparison between God as the Father and parents as kids.

Look into children's/orphans homes. Most are legally forbidden to hit/spank, and so have come up with very creative ways to teach/discipline without also sending the message that hitting is okay just because you are more powerful (which sets kids up to be easily victimized by bullies and adult abusers). God is our example that maturity means using as little of your power differential as necessary to teach respect and patience alongside any other lesson you are trying to convey.

Therapist bro is a creep for sure.