All children make mistakes growing up, just as we did when we were kids ourselves. That's why as parents, it’s our responsibility to discipline our children, so we can ensure that they learn from their mistakes.

While a lot of us grew up thinking that spanking is an effective means to discipline our kids, we don’t necessarily have to lay a heavy hand on our own children to teach them proper behavior. According to American character development speaker Dr. Thomas Lickona, instilling discipline in children doesn’t have to be a harsh process.

We were able to hear Dr. Lickona’s talk during PAREF Woodrose School’s Character Education Conference 2012 , and he shared a few things all parents should keep in mind before they deliver a punishment for their kids’ mistakes. Read on for some of his tips.

(Photo courtesy of Patrice Cabauatan)