2. BE CONSISTENT. If the behavior is a spanking offense, SPANK EVERY TIME IT'S DONE. Otherwise, change the rules.
3. KEEP YOUR PROMISES. If you promise punishment for a certain infraction, DO IT. DO IT EVERY TIME (see 2 above)
You are right on the money. I may have made mistakes and certainly don't claim to have been a perfect parent, but those were rules I made for myself and followed through and I never regretted it. Another thing I would add to that list is 4. NEVER discipline in anger.
Oh I agree with all of those including #4. When ours were growing up, sometimes I got so mad I expected my head to start spinning and me to spew split pea soup. I always cooled down before disciplining since I didn't want to have to replace that kid I had just disintegrated.
Exactly. Right on the money. I don't know why I forgot to include this, but it is VERY important.