Blog

Can Discipline Nurture Children?

QUESTION:

I run a support group for Day Care Providers in a small city in MA. Some of the members have a concern about the nurturing of one member in particular. She readily admits she spanks her own children (Bible backed) and says she does not hit the daycare children.

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7-Year-Old and High Level of Frustration

Question:

Our seven year-old is very bright, social, and out going. She is very daring and often makes decisions that escalate into more than they started out being. For example, when she's doing something like talking back she doesn't know when to stop she become so over the top frustrated that then she starts getting defiant when she is told to go to her room etc...She has a you can't get me kinda attitude. I'm sure she is just pushing it off or hiding the hurt. How do we help her? I recognize that we all make bad decisions. I'd like to teach her how to recognize the bad decision and apologize etc before she makes it worse.

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Weaning a Toddler

Question:

Any suggestions for weaning a toddler?

My first child is now 2 and 1/2. If I'm around (and I am for the most part) she breastfeeds to sleep, and wants to breastfeed during the day (which we've mostly stopped.) She can fall asleep on her own-as she does at "school" 2 days a week.

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Helping a 2 ½ year old like preschool

Hi, I know you have a few answers about this on your web site, but my problem is a little different. My son doesn't mind going to preschool, but after about half an hour he looks for his parents (usually my husband drops him off and we're both very careful to tell him when we leave and say "good-bye"). Then he starts to cry for about half an hour. Eventually he calms down, but about an hour later he starts to cry again. When we come to get him, he is ready to leave immediately (he's sitting there crying, with his backpack on). It's only been a few times, but I'm very worried.

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Forgetfulness: Irresponsible or Normal

Question:

My question is how responsible can I legitimately expect my 10 yr old stepson to be. I believe he "forgets" to do chores right or brush his teeth etc. because he gets special undivided attention when he is getting in trouble even though it is negative attention.

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Money as a Means of Discipline

Question:

How do you feel about using money as a means of disciplining children? My ex-wife has developed a system of "Stars and De-merits" with our children—6 and 8 yrs old. They are awarded for good behavior with stars or dollars, and when misbehaving they receive demerits and money is taken away

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Disrespectful Children

Question:

How should I handle a 4.5 year old who talks back to me?

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Disciplining 1st and 2nd graders in school

Question:

I teach 1st and 2nd grade (combined class). I am having trouble finding inventive ways to control the chatter while I (or a student) am trying to talk. Please help!

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Behavior modification

Question:

I am a fifth grade teacher and I am looking for help in developing some individual behavior plans for three children in my room. One child in particular has many difficulties interacting with the other children in a positive manner.

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Do you have any articles on School Code of Conduct?

Question:

I am on a committee in a Junior High School (Grade 7-9) for the purpose of developing a code of conduct for the students to follow.

Some of the issues we wish to address: behavior between classes (in the corridors), behavior on the school bus (I have read your article about bus behavior on your home page), giving/showing respect, and consequences of negative behavior

I was hoping to get ideas from other schools and professionals to present to the committee members in preparing our own code of conduct.

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Online Learning

Positive Discipline offers online learning options for parents, teachers, and parent educators. Learn in the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. You have unlimited access to our online streaming programs, so you can watch and re-watch the videos as often as you like.

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