A USMC Drill Instructor Explains His 7 Principles Of Parenting

A former Marine Corps drill instructor shares his 7 tips for imposing discipline as a parent.

RP Members what do you think about the 7 Tips? I think they are "spot on"! What would you add to the list?

Master Sgt. Chris Lopez is a former Marine Corps drill instructor, combat vet, and father of three. But if you think he gets in his kids’ face, Full Metal Jacket-style, every time their common sense goes AWOL, you have a major malfunction. Because getting 90 recruits to do whatever he wants? Easy. Getting one 4-year-old to pick up his socks? Hard. You can’t treat a toddler the same way you treat a grunt because the toddler is going to beat you in a screaming match every time.

That said, Lopez has a core set of principles that are equally applicable on the parade ground as the playground. You bet your ass he has an opinion on modern-day, “let them feel their feelings” philosophies on discipline — and it’s not what you think.