Many of us were raised to believe that when you’re responding to kids’ behavior, you can either be firm OR you can be respectful -- not both, and definitely not both at the same time. Not only is it possible to balance firmness and respect, but it’s actually essential to do so if you want to be a powerful positive influence in children’s lives. In this episode, we’ll discuss why balancing these two qualities is necessary, and what it actually looks and sounds like to respond with firmness and respect, even in challenging situations.