special-time-web.jpg An excerpt from the book Positive Discipline by Dr. Jane Nelsen One of the most encouraging things parents can do for their children is to spend regularly scheduled special time with them. You may already spend lots of time with your children. However there is a difference between have to time, casual time, and scheduled special time. […]
Articles
Limit Screen Time
limit-screen-time-parents.jpg by Dr. Jane Nelsen There was once a segment on Oprah in which families where challenged to give up electronics for a week, including TV. It was interesting to watch how difficult it was for parents, as well as their children, to give up all of their screens. One scene was particularly difficult to […]
Act Without Words – A Positive Discipline Tool Card
act-without-words-parents-02.jpg Diane promised she would never be like her friend, Sara, who was always yelling (often screaming) at her kids, “Don’t do that! Do this! I’m sick and tired or telling you!” On and on! It was difficult for Diane to be around Sara, and she felt so sorry for the kids. One day Diane […]
VALIDATE FEELINGS – A Positive Discipline Tool Card
Positive Discipline Parent Tool by Dr. Jane Nelsen Billy is sad because his friend doesn’t want to play with him. Susan is angry because she doesn’t want to pick up her toys. Tammie hates her baby brother and wants to hit him. Billy’s Mom tries to comfort him by saying, “Don’t feel sad, Billy. You […]
Listen
discipline.jpg by Dr. Jane Nelsen When parents say, “My child doesn’t listen,” what they really mean is that my child doesn’t obey.” Parents give orders and children resist orders—just as their parent most likely would. If you are experiencing power-struggles with your children, take a look at your part in creating the power-struggle. Most kids […]
Jobs: Why Teenagers Don't Do Chores And How To Use Follow-Through
By Jane Nelsen and Lynn Lott (Adapted from Positive Discipline for Teenagers) teen-mowing-lawn.jpg How many times has your teenager broken a promise to mow the lawn, clean the kitchen, pick up towels on the bathroom floor before leaving for school, or to rinse his bowl before the cereal becomes glued to the surface? If you […]
Follow Through With Children
follow-through-parents-web.jpg by Jane Nelsen A Positive Discipline Tool Card Julie complained that her four-year-old son, Chad, is very responsive and cooperative with his father about going to bed, but when she puts him to bed and tries to leave, Chad yells for her to come back and wants her to lay down with him. Every […]
Encouragement: What does it mean and how is it done?
encouragement-tool-card.jpg by Dr. Jane Nelsen Rudolf Dreikurs taught, “A child needs encouragement like a plant needs water.” In other words, encouragement is essential. Children may not die without encouragement, but they certainly wither. Since encouragement is so essential, it’s helpful for parents and teachers to know exactly what encouragement means and how to use it. Let’s […]
The Power of Eye Contact: A Simple Tool for Deep Connection with Young Children
ece-eye-contact-cartoon.jpg by Sproutable’s Early Years Lead, Julietta Skoog As parents and teachers, we are constantly looking for effective ways to connect with young children and grow our relationships. One tool that might seem simple but can make a huge impact is eye contact. It’s a powerful way to engage with children, build trust, and create a […]
The Power of Nonverbal Communication
Excerpt from Positive Discipline for Preschoolers by Dr. Jane Nelsen, Cheryl Erwin, and Roslyn Ann Duffy Adults and children express emotional energy on their faces, in their voices, and in the way they move or stand. Because children are still developing their language skills, they trust the message of this nonverbal communication far more than […]