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“.
20 Inspirational Quotes on Parent’s Love to Remember During Discipline
Best Positive Parenting Discipline Quotes
“Respond to your children with love in:
-L.R. Knost
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.”
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“…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.
“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?”
“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.
“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.
“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!
“…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
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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
“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.
“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.
“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.”
“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.
“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.
“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!
[photo credit: Sherry Dornblaser Photography]
Stay the Course with Daily Positive Parenting Inspiration
Such a Little While’s FREE 30-Day Positive Parenting Challenge
Accept the 30-day challenge and get inspired to be your best parenting self! You’ll unlock 10 key features of positive parenting by tackling 30 powerful, easy-to-follow tips & tools.
In this free email course, you’ll learn essential positive discipline “do’s” & “don’ts,” master effective consequences, and create customized parenting solutions for your family.
Who is it for?
The 30-day challenge is carefully created for parents and caregivers of young children who want to learn more about positive parenting or need a refresher!
What will I learn?
We’ll delve into the most essential “do’s & don’ts” of positive parenting discipline, 30 key tips and tools, and a BONUS guide to consequences.
What’s included?
You’ll receive a FREE 30-page positive parenting workbook (PDF download) & enrollment in a 30-day, no-cost email course.
How long will it take?
The challenge takes only a few minutes each day, for 30-days! It’s designed for the reality of life with young children.
Yes, sign me up!
