I am way too lenient with my three daughters, age 2, 4 and 7. They often do things like throw things at me, hit me, jump off of things, run around the house when I ask them not to. Stand on things that I ask them not to. They seem to purposely delay when it's time to go somewhere and we're running late. They make messes and don't clean them up.

The only forms of "discipline" I use is threatening time out (which never actually happens), threatening to tell Dad (which sometimes happens) or threatening to cancel a fun planned event (which very rarely happens).

I need a book or some other resources to help me understand how to take charge without emotionally hurting them. I hate to make them cry. I hate it when I lose my cool and yell. I just don't know what to do. I'm afraid too much discipline will make me lose their love.