The Four-Pronged Approach to Restoring Peace After Discipline - Take a “timeout” when discipline turns angry. Take a step outside or sit down and take 10 deep breaths to calm yourself down. - Model to a child how a parent can be upset and then calm down in order resolve something. - Give out hugs and reassurances when appropriate, even if a certain punishment remains. - Be honest with a child about your own role in escalating arguments. Rethink punishment if it was given out in anger.