Catholic Answers Live #12554 How to Handle Sibling Rivalry and Parenting Tips - Dr. Ray Guarendi
Jan 21, 2026
Dr. Ray Guarendi, a Catholic author and parenting expert, dives into the complexities of sibling rivalry and discipline strategies. He discusses how to define gentle parenting and when it often falls short. Guarendi offers practical advice for managing a strong-willed toddler and suggests realistic consequences for bedtime to quell nightly battles. He also addresses how couples can navigate disagreements on discipline methods, emphasizing consistency and clear house rules. Throughout, he shares insights from his book, Drama-Free Discipline.
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Keep Discipline Short And Concrete
- Use fewer words when disciplining and avoid nagging, threats, or repeated reminders.
- State the consequence once calmly and follow through immediately to reduce drama and escalation.
Book Idea Born In A Living Room
- A PhD clinical psychologist once asked Dr. Ray to watch her handle a misbehaving five-year-old.
- That observation inspired his book Drama-Free Discipline and its script-based approach.
Resistance Is Normal; Perseverance Wins
- Kids resist discipline because nobody likes being disciplined, so they push back and test limits.
- Consistency and perseverance break habits, since some kids need many more repetitions to change behavior.
