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What
is Positive Discipline?
Positive
Discipline is a program designed to teach young people to
become responsible, respectful and resourceful members of their
communities. Based on the best selling Positive Discipline books by
Dr. Jane Nelsen, Lynn Lott, Cheryl Erwin, Kate Ortolano, Mary
Hughes, Mike Brock, Lisa Larson and others, it teaches important
social and life skills in a manner that is deeply respectful and
encouraging for both children and adults (including parents,
teachers, childcare providers, youth workers, and others).
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Recent research tells us that
children are "hardwired" from birth to connect with others, and that
children who feel a sense of connection to their community, family,
and school are less likely to misbehave. To be successful,
contributing members of their community, children must learn
necessary social and life skills. Positive Discipline is based on
the understanding that discipline must be taught and that discipline
teaches.
Jane Nelsen gives the
following criteria for "effective discipline that teaches": The
Positive Discipline Parenting and Classroom Management models are
aimed at developing mutually respectful relationships. Positive
Discipline teaches adults to employ kindness and firmness at the
same time, and is neither punitive nor permissive.
The tools and concepts of Positive Discipline
include:
Mutual respect. Adults model firmness by
respecting themselves and the needs of the situation, and kindness
by respecting the needs of the child.
Identifying the belief behind the behavior.
Effective discipline recognizes the reasons kids do what they do and
works to change those beliefs, rather than merely attempting to
change behavior.
Effective communication and problem solving
skills.
Discipline that teaches (and is neither
permissive nor punitive).
Focusing on solutions instead of punishment.
Encouragement (instead of praise). Encouragement
notices effort and improvement, not just success, and builds
long-term self-esteem and empowerment..
For a brief description of the Four Criteria for
Effective Discipline, download this 4 page article on Positive Discipline
 What_is_PD
article.pdf
For a complete understanding of Positive
Discipline order one of these books on-line and change
the way you interact with your children.
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Here is a success story.
Hi. I'm a Positive Discipline Instructor. I have two kids.
Here's something that happened recently that I wanted to share with
the website.
Last week, I was dropping my 6 year old daughter off in a class at
church so that I could go hear a speaker. My daughter had attended
the same class the past week and separated from me with little
resistance, though she has clung to me in the past at church when
dropping her off for a class. This week, she clung to me and started
crying and at first, I acknowledged her feelings and told her that I
knew it might be scary and that I knew she's be okay staying. She
still continued to cry and then to wail. I stayed with her a few
more minutes giving hugs and reassurance. Then I knew I was going to
be late for the speaker if I didn't leave and I decided to offer my
daughter a choice. I said to her, "I'm going to hear the speaker.
You can go with me and sit on my lap while I listen to the speaker,
and you'll have to stay quiet or you can stay here in the class. You
decide." Immediately, she stopped crying and said, "I'll stay here"
and she did. It was amazing to see the quick change in her when I
decided what I would do and gave her a choice as to what she would
do.
Kelly Pfeiffer, Simpsonville, SC
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Learn proven, effective Positive Discipline strategies -- even if you’re on the go! Listen to our free podcast series on your iPod or MP3 player while jogging, driving to work… anytime!
