Category Archives: Parents Q&A

Question: You mentioned family meetings as an approach to dealing with a strong-willed child, but indicated that it works for children 4 and older. What about a strong-willed 3-yr-old who absolutely has to have everything her own way and goes completely ballistic if we don’t do exactly what she expects? Answer: There are many factors […]

Question: We are at our wits end trying to discipline our 13-yr. old son. He is VERY disrespectful…(the more I do for him – the more he disrespects us).  We thought we were disciplining him the “right way” – but no – its not working. He has gone weeks w/o the things he enjoys the […]

child_computer.jpg Question: My child complains about being bored and expects me to drop everything to entertain him. What do you suggest? Answer: From the Book Positive Discipline A-Z Understanding Your Child, Yourself, and the Situation We live in a society where children are used to being entertained. Television and electronic games are major contributors to […]

Question: My daughter is 4 1/2. This past week or two her behavior has not been very good. She has starting having MAJOR temper tantrums. For example, we will go to get dressed and I will say it is cold today, pick out what pants you want to wear, and she will say NO I […]

Question: “I don’t know how to get my child to stop lying. We have tried very hard to teach high moral standards. The more I punish him, the more he lies. I’m really worried.” Answer: (An excerpt from the book Positive Discipline A-Z) Understanding Yourself, the Situation, and Why Children Lie We have searched and […]

Question:   Dear Dr. Nelsen,   I have a son in the 1st Grade. When things don’t go his way, he refuses to cooperate. He either becomes a “statue,” a “limp rag doll,” or becomes defiant in other ways. I have read your book “Positive Discipline” and my husband is in the middle of reading […]

Question: Dear Jane, I have a question about family meetings. We have just started them at our home and already are pleased and having fun with the results. We have a family of four; my husband, myself and two daughters 7 and 5. My five year old has been reluctant to sit in the entire […]

Question: I have just found your website and am going to go buy one of the positive discipline books tomorrow. My daughter is almost 17months old and is a very good little girl. Our challenge is when we are out and about, shopping or farmers market for example. She wants to run and explore (of […]