I posted here yesterday, but in returning I have read a number of thoughts from other readers. Everyone has good points, but honestly, time-outs are not the way to handle things. If anyone says time-outs work for them, it's because the kid has grasped a respect for what the adult thinks of them. One of the biggest problems these days is that parents haven't learned coping skills to pass on to their kids.

If you really want to look at disciplining your kid, look at your own behavior. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. While a kid may not mirror your actions exactly, they adapt to the situation. Next time you're in a car and yell at a driver who cuts you off, think about your kid in the back seat. How you handle that situation will affect how the kid will handle future situations. Teach manners. Teach them not to sweat the small stuff. Pick your battles. Realize kids are kids. They are mini-adults. They will do crazy things, and it doesn't mean they'll get out of control.