The Intentional Dad Ep. 6 - The Role of Discipline in Parenting

In this episode of The Intentional Dad, hosts J. Fotsch and Jason Hynson, with Victory Mission, welcome guest Jim Robinette to explore what discipline really means in parenting. Drawing on his military background and years of fatherhood, Jim reframes discipline as more than just consequences—it’s about leadership, personal responsibility and helping kids build self-awareness.

The trio emphasizes that effective discipline is rooted in consistency, fairness and modeling behavior. Jim reflects on how different approaches worked for his two children, highlighting the importance of understanding each child’s temperament. Discipline, they argue, should be less about punishment and more about guiding kids to make good choices, fostering agency and creating structure where children feel both safe and free. They also discuss the need for parents to discipline themselves and the power of open communication, accountability and humility in family dynamics.

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Episode Highlights

[07:59]
"You are responsible for your own actions… think about what you're doing and what's going to be the result."

[09:20]
"Giving the kids agency… they are going to live their lives. We as parents cannot live our kids' lives."

[12:50]
"You're just deciding in these circumstances you're going to check your brain… parenting has to be tailored to the kid."

[14:25]
"They expect their parents to be fair."

[15:44]
"Things are caught not taught… they're going to do what you do not what you say."

[21:29]
"They’re responsible for what they think and what they do and what they do reflects what they think."

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