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positive discipline

  • A "Time-Out" on Time-Outs

    This old-school form of discipline can do more harm than good. The "time-out" technique is not so effective -- and it can even lead to harmful side effects. Put this punishment to rest for good and do these simple steps for a better alternative.

  • Using Effective Time-Outs

    Timeout is just one tool -- and it really isn't a "discipline" tool; it's an effective anger-management tool. Since the purpose of a timeout is to help someone regain control. If you want children to learn that it is their responsibility to control their behavior, use timeouts as cooling off periods which teach children how to achieve this self-control.

  • Discipline or Punishment

    Discipline is different from punishment because it teaches children to learn from their mistakes rather than making them suffer for them. The four R's of consequences actually apply to all discipline techniques, not just natural and logical consequences. Whatever discipline technique you choose, make sure it meets the following four criteria...

  • Parenting Tool: Don't Say "Don't"

    In all my years of teaching parenting classes, one skill has stood out. I call it "Don't say Don't". Have you ever told your child "Don't go in the street!" and they walk out in the street? or "Don't fall!" and two seconds later they skin their knees? Why is it that children seem to do what we tell them not to do?

  • The 12 Steps of Positive Discipline

    Discipline is guidance and teaching a child self-control. If you view children's misbehavior as a mistake in judgment, it may be easier to think of ways to teach a more acceptable alternative. By setting clear limits and disciplining in a positive, loving way.

  • Positive Discipline

    Misbehaving children are discouraged children who have mistaken ideas on how to achieve their primary goal -- to belong. Their mistaken ideas lead them to misbehavior. We cannot be effective unless we address the mistaken beliefs rather than just the misbehavior.

  • Peace in Our Homes

    Peace in our community, our nation, and our world also begins with peace in our homes. And as parents, that is also something we can do. "How?" you may be asking. Not surprisingly, I have some suggestions:

  • Whining

    Children do what works. If your child is whining, he or she is getting a response from you. Oddly enough, children seem to prefer punishment and anger to no response at all. Whining is usually based on the goal of seeking undue attention.

  • Hollow Threats as Discipline

    QUESTION

    Dear Mr. Dad,
    My wife and I have a 3-year-old who's quite a handful. The other day in a crowded department store he was running around and my wife got so frustrated that she said, "if you don't come over here right now, we'll leave you right here."

    We usually agree on discipline issues but I think it's not a good idea to make threats we don't intend to carry out. But my wife says it's just something to attract his attention. Who's right

  • Putting Positive Discipline into Practice

    Positive Discipline starts by having a good relationship with your child, so that he responds to gentle guidance as opposed to threats and punishment. The most effective discipline strategy is to make sure your child wants to please you.

  • Positive Discipline

    Ultimately, love is the only leverage we have with our children. Even if they worked, fear and "Because I say so!" only last for as long as they can be physically enforced. Every parent knows how fast children grow; fear works for a very short time if it works at all. Love, on the other hand, becomes a more effective motivator over time.

  • Hollow Threats as Discipline

    QUESTION

    Dear Mr. Dad,
    My wife and I have a 3-year-old who's quite a handful. The other day in a crowded department store he was running around and my wife got so frustrated that she said, "if you don't come over here right now, we'll leave you right here."

    We usually agree on discipline issues but I think it's not a good idea to make threats we don't intend to carry out. But my wife says it's just something to attract his attention. Who's right

  • A "Time-Out" on Time-Outs

    This old-school form of discipline can do more harm than good. The "time-out" technique is not so effective -- and it can even lead to harmful side effects. Put this punishment to rest for good and do these simple steps for a better alternative.

  • Connection Parenting Makes Child Raising Easier

    Connection Parenting keeps your family connected as the pressures of daily life erode your time together and your children grow into their own lives, with their own friends and interests. And it insures that they'll want to email you from college, or wherever their paths may lead.

  • To Spank or Not to Spank?

    If your parents used spanking as a discipline method growing up, you may have reconciled yourself to their behavior by justifying it: You came out ok. You may even think there is no other choice for managing kids who are "a handful." How else do kids learn?

  • Putting Positive Discipline into Practice

    Positive Discipline starts by having a good relationship with your child, so that he responds to gentle guidance as opposed to threats and punishment. The most effective discipline strategy is to make sure your child wants to please you.

  • Is Spanking Part of Discipline?

    I need some help to talk to my mother about spanking. She insists that spanking is the only way kids learn. And I have to admit my son is a handful. Timeouts certainly don't work with him. The only thing that does is staying three steps ahead of him, and that isn't always possible.

  • Positive Discipline

    Misbehaving children are discouraged children who have mistaken ideas on how to achieve their primary goal -- to belong. Their mistaken ideas lead them to misbehavior. We cannot be effective unless we address the mistaken beliefs rather than just the misbehavior.

  • Peace in Our Homes

    Peace in our community, our nation, and our world also begins with peace in our homes. And as parents, that is also something we can do. "How?" you may be asking. Not surprisingly, I have some suggestions:

  • Whining

    Children do what works. If your child is whining, he or she is getting a response from you. Oddly enough, children seem to prefer punishment and anger to no response at all. Whining is usually based on the goal of seeking undue attention.