This research, within a mixed-methods framework, focused on techniques and modes of discipline used by mothers of toddlers in a real-life context. We have also examined mothers' parenting beliefs, goals and values that inform their discipline behaviour. We found that the mothers had harmonious relationships with their toddlers. Of the investigated recommended techniques, all but one—planned ignoring—were well accepted by these mothers. However, in their daily lives, they appeared to have some difficulties applying those techniques. Besides, some factors influenced whether they administered discipline ineffectively, meaning in an overreactive or lax manner. Those factors included blaming their child for misbehaving, the rate of misbehaviour and, more importantly, increased experienced negative emotions during the discipline encounter. Maternally experienced negative emotions appeared to be the most important predictor for administering discipline ineffectively. This pattern, however, was not similar across mothers: some were more vulnerable to this situational effect than others.