Inspirational Quotes on Parents’ Love (for Discipline!)

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Inspirational quotes on parents’ love can inspire us to choose effective, connection-based tools during tough parenting moments!

I invite you to explore 20 of the best positive parenting quotes. These sayings center on setting limits with love and honoring the true definition of discipline: “to teach“.

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    20 Inspirational Quotes on Parent’s Love to Remember During Discipline

    Best Positive Parenting Discipline Quotes

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "Respond to your children with love in:
their worst moments
their broken moments
their angry moments
their selfish moments…
…it is in their most unlovable human moments that they need to feel loved." -L.R. Knost

    “Respond to your children with love in:
    their worst moments
    their broken moments
    their angry moments
    their selfish moments…
    …it is in their most unlovable human moments that they need to feel loved.”

    -L.R. Knost

    The takeaway

    We may perceive “misbehavior” in children as rude, angry, helpless, or defiant. In reality, these behaviors are red flags that children need our connection and love more than ever.

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "Empathy not only matters; it is the foundation of effective parenting." -Dr. John Gottman

    Empathy not only matters; it is the foundation of effective parenting.”

    -Dr. John Gottman

    The takeaway

    While it’s important to instill empathy in our children, empathy for our children must come first.

    It’s not always easy. The trials and tribulations of little ones growing up in supportive homes can at times feel downright silly and wildly out of proportion to us as adults!

    But when we step into those tiny shoes and view the world through their eyes, we see that our children’s experiences and emotions are real.

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "Even though punishment and shame may stop behavior for the moment, the long-term results are usually negative…remember how YOU felt and what you wanted to do after someone inflicted blame, shame, or pain on you."  -Dr. Jane Nelson

    “Even though punishment and shame may stop behavior for the moment, the long-term results are usually negative…remember how YOU felt and what you wanted to do after someone inflicted blame, shame, or pain on you.”

    -Dr. Jane Nelson

    The takeaway

    Most of us have experienced shame as a byproduct of punishment.

    Remember, the best way to spark empathy in children is by first allowing them to experience it through our actions as parents.

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "There is no such thing as perfect parenting…There is always room to reconnect after a rupture."  -Dr. Dan Siegel

    “There is no such thing as perfect parenting…There is always room to reconnect after a rupture.”

    Dr. Dan Siegel

    The takeaway

    Make positive parenting your mission every day. At the same time, accept that there will be moments when you fall short. It happens to everyone.

    What’s more important than your misstep is what you do afterward.

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "…most young children's misbehavior is a sort of 'code' designed to let you know they don't feel a sense of belonging and need your attention, connection, time and teaching."  -Dr. Jane Nelson

    “…most young children’s misbehavior is a sort of ‘code’ designed to let you know they don’t feel a sense of belonging and need your attention, connection, time and teaching.”

    -Dr. Jane Nelson

    The takeaway

    Every “misbehavior” brings an opportunity to connect with our children.

    Young kids don’t always have the words to say “I need you!” They instead often ask for our love and guidance in unloving ways.

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "Discipline is helping a child solve a problem. Punishment is making a child suffer for having a problem." -L.R. Knost

    “Discipline is helping a child solve a problem. Punishment is making a child suffer for having a problem.”

    -L.R. Knost

    The takeaway

    When we remember the definition of discipline is “to teach,” parenting through challenges becomes much less complicated.

    Consider, “How can I connect with my child to help them learn the skills needed to solve this problem?”

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "You can't calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass."  -Timber Hawkeye

    “You can’t calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass.”

    -Timber Hawkeye

    The takeaway

    Your child’s tantrum typically says nothing about you as a parent.

    It’s not easy, but internally shifting focus to our own emotions, thought patterns, and reactions can be so freeing. It can also be a game-changer for our children.

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "We're all imperfect parents and that's perfectly ok. Tiny humans need connection not perfection."  -L.R. Knost

    “We’re all imperfect parents and that’s perfectly ok. Tiny humans need connection not perfection.”

    -L.R. Knost

    The takeaway

    Whatever guilt is chasing you today, forgive yourself, let it go, and just go love on your kids.

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "Hold them a little longer. Rock them a little more. Tell them another story. They are only little for such a little while."  -Author Unknown

    “Hold them a little longer. Rock them a little more. Tell them another story. They are only little for such a little while.”

    Author Unknown

    The takeaway

    Some days may be long, but the years are so short. Most of us will be hard-pressed to regret the time we spent loving and cuddling our babies!

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "…children aren't ours to possess or own in any way. When we know this in the depths of our souls, we tailor our raising them to their needs, rather than molding them to fit our needs."  -Dr. Shefali Tsabury

    “…children aren’t ours to possess or own in any way. When we know this in the depths of our souls, we tailor our raising them to their needs, rather than molding them to fit our needs.”

    Dr. Shefali Tsabury

    The takeaway

    Do we have a responsibility to love, support, and guide our children toward positive decision-making? Absolutely.

    At the same time, their choices are not our choices. Their behavior is not our behavior. Accepting this is equally difficult and freeing (learn more about a conscious parenting approach here).

    The bottom line: Allowing our children to grow through mistakes without the entanglement of our own emotions can be an incredible gift!

    Best Short Quotes for Parents

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "Listen first, talk last."  -Dr. Jane Nelson

    “Listen first, talk last.”

    -Dr. Jane Nelson

    The takeaway

    According to Dr. Nelson, “Positive discipline tools don’t work... until children feel belonging and significance.”

    When our kids press our buttons, disrespect us, cause harm, show no remorse, etc., it’s natural to fly into “correction” mode. We have all been there.

    But without connection first, the message of correction becomes lost.

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice."  -Peggy O'Mara

    “The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice.”

    -Peggy O’Mara

    The takeaway

    We teach our children to “treat others the way you wanted to be treated.”

    But as parents, we have a responsibility to “treat our children the way we want them to treat themselves.” Our voice can so quickly become their internal dialogue.

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "Children are not things to be molded, but people to be unfolded."  -Jess Lair

    “Children are not things to be molded, but people to be unfolded.”

    -Jess Lair

    The takeaway

    As parents, it’s our job to model kindness and compassion and teach key social/emotional skills.

    At the same time, we can take comfort in knowing our kids are not us. We ultimately cannot control another human being and their actions.

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "Children will listen to you after they feel listened to."  -Dr. Jane Nelson

    “Children will listen to you after they feel listened to.”

    -Dr. Jane Nelson

    The takeaway

    Rest assured that even if your child is not listening to you “right this second,” it’s going to be okay. Really! The situation can’t & won’t last forever.

    Avoid a power struggle or using fear of punishment to coerce behavior. When children are bribed or scared into listening, they do not acquire long-term problem-solving or coping skills.

    Rather, step away, take some deep breaths, and think “connect, then correct”.

    Listening to your child, validating their feelings, and helping them cope with emotions will make things so much easier in the future.

    Such a Little While Original Quotes on Parent’s Love

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "May your hugs be longer than your lectures."  -Tana, Such a Little While

    “May your hugs be longer than your lectures.”

    – Tana, Such a Little While

    The takeaway

    We often resort to ineffective lecturing as a means to process our own emotions as parents.

    Children are motivated towards long-term learning and growth when their feelings are first validated, then invited to help collaborate on solving the problem at hand.

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "Without connection, children are emotionally unavailable for redirection."  -Tana, Such a Little While

    “Without connection, children are emotionally unavailable for redirection.”

    Tana, Such a Little While

    The takeaway

    When children can feel our love and support, they are much more likely to not only hear us but want to partner with us in the problem-solving process.

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "If you want your child to choose kindness in their moments of anger, show them kindness in your moments of anger."  Tana, Such a Little While

    “If you want your child to choose kindness in their moments of anger, show them kindness in your moments of anger.”

    Tana, Such a Little While

    The takeaway

    Positive parenting offers a guilt-free, yet effective alternative to fear-based, punitive discipline. Positive parents are both “kind and firm” and prioritize “connection” before “correction.”

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "There's no such thing as a 'bad kid.' All children make not-so-good choices sometimes. Tell them this."  -Tana, Such a Little While

    “There’s no such thing as a ‘bad kid.’ All children make not-so-good choices sometimes. Tell them this.”

    Tana, Such a Little While

    The takeaway

    Positive parents strive to serve as safe havens for their children, no matter how big of mistakes they might make.

    When we shift our label to choices and not people, we have the power to help preserve kids’ self-esteem.

    Let’s encourage kids to run to us and not from us when they mess up. Best yet, let’s support them in finding a way to grow through mistakes.

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "Your young child probably won't remember what you gave them to eat, wear, or play with. But they will surely remember how they felt in your presence."  -Tana, Such a Little While

    “Your young child probably won’t remember what you gave them to eat, wear, or play with. But they will surely remember how they felt in your presence.”

    Tana, Such a Little While

    The takeaway

    Many of the things we stress about as parents aren’t going to have a significant impact on our kids.

    We can permit ourselves not to stress over the small details of everyday life. Rather, embrace the simple power of relationships with our children.

    Inspirational quotes on parents love: "We owe it to our kids to step into their shoes and model the skill we wish to instill in them: Empathy."  -Tana, Such a Little While

    “We owe it to our kids to step into their shoes and model the skill we wish to instill in them: Empathy.”

    -Tana Such a Little While

    The takeaway

    Sharing a small toy or not getting the ice cream flavor you wanted won’t feel like a big deal to us as adults. However, these situations can feel like a really big deal to young children.

    Remember, when we validate our children’s feelings, we lay the groundwork for them to grow socially and emotionally.

    The Last Thing You Need to Know About Inspirational Quotes on Parents’ Love

    Feeling motivated by these inspirational quotes on parents’ love to be your best parenting self? Let’s talk about how to keep the momentum going and grow your positive parenting toolbox!

    Tana, Mom & Founder, Such a Little While | Positive Parenting
    Tired of yelling, nagging, or bribing your way to positive behavior? Become your family’s hero by going from power struggles to peaceful problem-solving with Such a Little While’s free positive parenting resources.

    [photo credit: Sherry Dornblaser Photography]

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          Tana, Mom & Founder, Such a Little While
          Hi, I’m Tana! I’m a mom, certified positive discipline parent educator, and former school counselor. It’s my mission to help you make the most of every moment through effective positive parenting & social/emotional learning toolsLet’s dive in!

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