Discipline in the Car

Question:

Do you have any advice on how to handle discipline while in the car, particularly when siblings fight? As I see it, the options are limited. Time out can’t be used. I try to prevent problems by making sure each child has his own entertainment (CDs, books, etc.). Also, I try to remember to have a discussion with the children before we leave as to what behavior is expected. Pulling over to the side of the road sometime helps for a short time, but it’s not always practical to be pulling over multiple times and traffic conditions may not allow it. Help!

Answer:

Pulling over is really the best answer. Did you read about that in one of the Positive Discipline books?

You say it isn’t always practical (especially since you have to look for a safe place to pull over). Raising children (and taking time for training) is often inconvenient, but it is essential to get the long-term results we want with our children.