Giving in to convenience is setting both your child and yourself up for bigger challenges down the road.

As a parent, it’s tempting to lean into the easy, but real leadership requires the hard work—the firm boundaries and the consistent follow-through that shape your child’s future.

QUESTION: How do you currently handle the situations where your child is acting out or not doing something they were asked to do?

And honestly, most of us don’t take half a minute to think about what we are doing. We just do it!

But that’s where it becomes a bigger problem in how we are raising our children.

Let’s assume your child has some behaviors you would like changed. What do you do?

If you want to stop tolerating behaviors that don’t serve your family, you must intentionally address them now.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Intentionally think about how you discipline!

The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your whole parenting style overnight.

Here are three powerful steps to take control without losing your mind:

1. Identify and Name the Behavior You Won’t Tolerate

Clarity is everything. Pinpoint exactly what behavior is problematic. Maybe it’s constant arguing at bedtime, refusing to do chores, or disrespect during mealtime. Say it out loud: “I won’t ignore yelling,” or “Refusing to clean up toys is not okay.” Naming it gives you a non-negotiable to work from, rather than vague frustration.

2. Set Clear, Consistent Boundaries

Once you know what you’re not tolerating, communicate your expectations calmly and clearly. Let your child know the behavior limits and the consequences for crossing them. Consistency is your secret weapon here; wavering only teaches children that boundaries are suggestions, not rules.

3. Follow Through Every Time

This is the hardest but most crucial step. To stop tolerating something means acting on it—whether it’s enforcing a timeout, withholding a privilege, or just standing firm amid protests. If you fail to follow through just once, the behavior will take that as an opening. You prove your boundaries by sticking to them, even when you’re tired, busy, or distracted.

How To Apply This In Everyday Chaos

Parenting doesn’t pause for the messy reality of life—dinner is cooking, dishes pile up, the dog needs a walk, plus the clock is ticking. How do you hold your ground without losing your sanity? It’s about weaving these steps into daily routines:

• During dinner, don’t let mealtime chaos slide. If your child refuses to help clear the table or throws a fit about eating veggies, remind them of the expectation: everyone pitches in or dinner ends sooner than they want. Follow through immediately and calmly.
• When the dog is barking constantly or is ignored, if your child reacts by yelling or withdrawing, set a boundary around respectful behavior toward pets and others in the home. Consistency here teaches empathy and respect, even amid distractions.
• While doing chores, make teamwork non-negotiable. Say, “I’m handling dishes if you handle the trash.” When the task falls on you because of a child’s refusal, calmly remind them of their responsibility next time before it escalates.

In the end, parenting is about choosing the harder, but higher-value path. If you tolerate behavior because of your low energy or limited time, you’re enabling that behavior to grow—and setting up more work tomorrow. What you tolerate thrives.

So stop letting tiredness dictate your boundaries. Put your foot down. Follow through. Reinforce what matters—even in the middle of the dinner, dishes, and dogs.

You have what it takes to lead your family, even on the hard days. Choose what matters. Because what you tolerate isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. Make sure it’s the right thing that thrives.

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“