Overview

• One in four parents of children aged 3 to 5 have used the threat of no Santa or gifts to address misbehavior, according to a national survey of 725 parents conducted by the University of Michigan Health's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.
• Nearly half of parents reported using bribes to encourage good behavior, though experts warn that both threats and bribes can undermine trust and long-term behavioral development.
• While half of parents consider themselves very consistent in disciplining their children, many struggle with maintaining consistency due to fatigue, public pressures, or ineffective strategies.
• Experts recommend age-appropriate discipline methods, such as redirection for toddlers and logical consequences for preschoolers, while avoiding tactics like spanking or food-related rewards.
• Parents often turn to family, friends, and online resources for discipline advice, though experts suggest consulting pediatricians for guidance on effective strategies.