Effective discipline is a challenge even when you have time to research and plan the best possible learning strategies.  "Quick fixes", those go-to strategies to save the peace or get you through an immediate situation, rarely work.  They are acts of desperation that seem to get you through the moment but don't solve the problem.

The problem is that "quick fixes" create a spiral of entitlement. Children start to expect and demand immediate gratification. Pretty soon, parents are not just giving-in, they are giving-up.  Quick fixes play on parents' exhaustion and frustration. You hope against all reason that the problem will go away. You just don't have the energy to "do the right thing". This is "normal" as long as it doesn't define your parenting style.

Quick fixes work as long as you can live with them tomorrow.  Don't set a precedent that you'll regret tomorrow.  For example, the free cookie at the grocery store is a "quick fix" - it's an effective distraction that buys you time and cooperation - Yea, grocery shopping really is about "me"!  It establishes a predictable routine (first cookie; then shopping). 

Quick fixes don't work when you can't live with this solution every time - your child sleeps in your bed when you're exhausted on Tuesday but it's not okay on Wednesday. Or, this is the LAST TIME you're buying another stuffed animal to quiet an in-store tantrum.

To be effective, parents must define the "exceptions" before your child does.  If you do "break the rules" - family bed on vacations, chocolate before breakfast at Grandma's house - be prepared to live by the exception. Clearly demarcate the "new rule" - only at grandma's, only in hotels.  Make sure you can really stand by the new rules. And be prepared to "coach" your child through the "grey zone".  Black-and-white rules are easier but the "grey zone" is more fun as long as you have the energy to "defend" it. 

The Quick Fix Myth:  Quick fixes are all that's left when you've tried everything else.  More often than not, you've probably tried "everything else" without success. You've told, asked, reminded, threatened, repeated hundreds of times and your child isn't listening. Yep, that's real life parenting!

• Children rarely "get it" immediately and thank you for your wisdom.
• Children test your sincerity, make poor choices and struggle with maturity.
• Learning takes time.

Here are the best alternative to quick fixes:

• Think ahead. Prepare for detours and mutinies
• Accepts mistakes as learning opportunities
• Take time (as in years) to teach your child life skills. They won't learn them without guidance.

Good luck!  And remember, discipline isn't only what you do in response to a challenging situation; discipline is what you do all day - every day, from the time you wake up till the time you go to bed.  And for that, you need a good night's sleep too.

For more situation-by-situation examples of how to avoid "quick fix" parenting, see The Entitlement-Free Child.