One of the great benefits of living in the information age is having access to dynamic amounts of resources. Many great authors offer principles and ideas regarding disciplining our children, and sometimes it is good to just take a moment and read their ideas. Why not take advantage of already compiled information below and with the suggested link that offers helpful principles for disciplining children in a positive manner?
How does a parent keep discipline positive?
Most parents are busy, overwhelmed, and often frustrated by those difficult moments when children seem to be acting “out of control.” It is easy to react in the heat of the moment, which means a parent’s brain state is more limbic, emotions are more extreme and thinking is not about the impact resulting to their children.
So, for some parents the idea of positive discipline is not their first line of thinking.
Creating a positive environment for discipline is hard work.
It takes persistence, intentionality and a great deal of patience. It probably will not be an easy skill to master; so, it will take a lot of concerted effort to achieve. But it is worth it.
Taking the time to discipline in a positive manner could make a huge difference in our relationships with our children as it will encourage the right kind of brain growth as they grow and develop. It will also create a much better environment for emotional and relational health in our homes.
Today, I have chosen to look at some of the principles by Dr. Katharine Kersey. As someone who has worked hard to provide ideas other than corporal punishment, she has really come up with so many good ideas.
Here are her top ten positive discipline ideas:
1. Demonstrate Respect Principle – Treat the child the same way you treat other important people in your life—the way you want him to treat you—and others. (How would I want her to say that to me?)
2. Make a Big Deal Principle – Make a big deal over responsible, considerate, appropriate behavior—with attention (your eyeballs), thanks, praise, thumbs-up, recognition, hugs, special privileges, incentives (NOT food).
3. Incompatible Alternative Principle – Give the child something to do that is incompatible with the inappropriate behavior. “Help me pick out 6 oranges” (instead of running around the grocery store). If your husband is annoying you by playing his Gameboy, instead of berating him, simply ask him to help you by drying the dishes.
4. Choice Principle – Give the child two choices, both of which are positive and acceptable to you.“Would you rather tiptoe or hop upstairs to bed?” (“You choose or I’ll choose.”) This can be used with spouses. “The garage needs to be cleaned out. Would you rather do it tonight or Saturday?”
5. When/Then – Abuse it/Lose it Principle – “When you have finished your homework, then you may watch TV.” (No homework – no TV.)
6. Connect Before You Correct Principle – Be sure to “connect” with a child. Get to know him and show him that you care about him before you begin to try to correct his behavior. This works well when relating to parents, too. Share positive thoughts with them about their child before you attack the problems!
7. Validation Principle – Acknowledge (validate) his wants and feelings. “I know you feel angry with your teacher and want to stay home from school. I don’t blame you. The bus will be here in 45 minutes.”
8. Good Head on Your Shoulders Principle – Tell your child—frequently—especially as s/he reaches the teen years …“You have a good head on your shoulders. You decide. I trust your judgment.” This brings out the best in the child and shows him/her that eventually he will be in charge of his own life and responsible for his/her own decisions.
9. Belonging and Significance Principle – Remember that everyone needs to feel that s/he belongs and is significant. Help your child to feel important by giving him important jobs to do and reminding him that if he doesn’t do them, they don’t get done! Help him/her feel important by being responsible.
10. Timer Says It’s Time Principle – Set a timer to help children make transitions. “When the timer goes off, you will need to put away your books.” “In five minutes, we will need to line up for lunch.” It is also a good idea to give the child a chance to choose how long he needs to pull himself together. “It’s okay to be upset, how long do you need?” Then allow him to remove himself from the group and set the timer. You may offer the child a choice (and set the timer) when it’s necessary for him to do something he doesn’t want to do. “Do you want to pick up your toys/let Susan have the wagon/take your bath -in one minute or two?”
I highly recommend that parents take some time to think about principles like Dr. Kersey’s to broaden their view of possible disciplines techniques and skills.
You will find Dr. Kersey’s principles at the Old Dominion University website. For those of us who are desperately asking “What do I do now?” in those difficult parenting moments, these tips may provide new ideas and support to try with our children to see what best helps them become responsible.
It is a significant opportunity to help our children grow into healthy adults.
Gerry Vassar, President/CEO, Lakeside Educational Network
