Positive discipline is a parenting and teaching approach that encourages children to take responsibility for their actions and to develop problem-solving skills. It is a way of teaching and guiding children that focuses on positive behaviour and encourages them to make good choices. The goal of positive discipline is to raise responsible, cooperative and problem-solving children.
In this article, we will discuss the meaning and importance of positive discipline, how to get started with positive discipline, and the power of positive discipline in raising responsible and cooperative children. We will also explore positive discipline in everyday teaching, the positive discipline association and its role in promoting this technique.
Table of Contents
Understanding Positive Discipline
Positive discipline is a parenting and teaching approach that focuses on positive behaviour and encourages children to take responsibility for their actions. Positive discipline in the classroom and home has to go hand in hand to be effective. It involves using positive reinforcement, redirection, time-ins and selective ignoring to guide children towards positive behaviour. This method is not about punishment; it is about teaching children to make good choices.
Negative discipline, on the other hand, is a punishment-based approach that focuses on punishing bad behaviour. Negative discipline includes spanking, yelling and time-outs. Negative discipline does not teach children to make good choices; it only teaches them to avoid punishment.
Positive discipline teaches children how to make good choices. Negative discipline teaches them to avoid punishment
Getting Started – A Positive Discipline approach
Getting started with positive discipline can be challenging, but it is worth the effort. Here are five positive discipline examples and techniques to try:
Redirection
Redirection involves redirecting a child's attention away from negative behaviour and towards positive behaviour. For example, if a child is throwing toys, you can redirect their attention by suggesting a different activity or by playing with them.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement involves praising a child's positive behaviour. For example, if a child is sharing their toys, you can praise them by saying "Good job sharing your toys!"
Time-In
Time-In involves spending time with a child to help them calm down and process their emotions. For example, if a child is having a tantrum, you can sit with them and help them calm down.
Use Single-Word Reminders
Single-word reminders involve using a single word to remind a child of positive behaviour. For example, if a child is not using proper manners, you can say "manners" to remind them to use appropriate manners.
Selective Ignoring
Selective ignoring involves ignoring negative behaviour and only paying attention to positive behaviour. For example, if a child is whining, you can ignore the whining and only pay attention to the positive behaviour.
Chart to Summarise the Positive Discipline Techniques
Technique | How to | Example |
Redirection | Redirect child's attention from negative to positive behavior | Suggest a different activity or play with them
|
Positive Reinforcement | Praise child's positive behavior | "Good job sharing your toys!" |
Time-In | Spend time with child to calm down and process emotions | Sit with them and help them calm down
|
Single-Word Reminders | Use a single word to remind child of positive behavior | Use "manners" to remind child to use manners
|
Selective Ignoring
| Ignore negative behavior and only pay attention to positive | Ignore whining and only pay attention to positive behavior
|
Positive Discipline in Everyday Teaching
Positive discipline is not just for parenting; it is also effective in everyday teaching. Positive discipline in the classroom involves using positive reinforcement, redirection, and time-ins to guide students towards positive behaviour. Examples of positive discipline in everyday teaching include praising students for their positive behaviour, redirecting their attention away from negative behaviour, and spending time with them to help them calm down.
Positive discipline helps develop self-discipline in students by teaching them to take responsibility for their actions and to make good choices. Encouraging positive behaviour in students helps them develop self-esteem and confidence, which are essential for success in school and in life.
The Power of Positive Discipline
The power of positive discipline lies in its ability to raise responsible and cooperative children. Positive discipline teaches children to make good choices and to take responsibility for their actions. The long-term benefits of positive discipline include increased self-esteem, better problem-solving skills and improved relationships with others.
Positive discipline also helps develop emotional intelligence in children by teaching them to identify and regulate their emotions. Emotional intelligence is essential for success in school and in life and positive discipline helps develop this important skill.
Positive Discipline Association
The Positive Discipline Association is a non-profit organization that promotes positive discipline as a parenting and teaching approach. It provides resources and training for parents and teachers to help them learn and implement such techniques.
The Positive Discipline Association offers a wide range of resources and support for those who are interested in learning more about positive discipline. This includes workshops, training programs, books and online resources that can help parents and teachers better understand the principles of positive discipline and how to apply them in their everyday lives. Their certification program helps professionals deepen their knowledge and skills in positive discipline and demonstrate their expertise to clients and employers. To learn more about the Positive Discipline Association and certification program, visit their website at www.positivediscipline.org.
Applying Positive Discipline in Parenting
Positive discipline is a parenting approach that emphasizes the importance of mutual respect between parents and children. It is a proactive and positive approach that focuses on encouraging and teaching children appropriate behaviour rather than just punishing them for inappropriate behaviour. Positive discipline is based on the idea that children are more likely to behave appropriately when they feel valued and respected.
Engaging with younger children:
Positive discipline works well with younger children as it helps them to understand the consequences of their actions and encourages them to take responsibility for their behaviour. With younger children, it is important to use positive reinforcement and praise to encourage good behaviour. For example, if a child shares a toy with a sibling, the parent can praise the child for being kind and sharing. If a child misbehaves, parents can use logical consequences that are related to the behaviour. For example, if a child throws a toy, the parent can take it away for a short time.
Engaging with older children:
Positive Discipline also works well with older children as it encourages them to take responsibility for their actions and helps them to develop problem-solving skills. With older children, it is important to communicate openly and honestly with them. Parents can also set clear expectations and boundaries, and use natural consequences to reinforce appropriate behaviour. For example, if a teenager does not complete their homework, they may receive a lower grade.
Positive Discipline for Today's Busy (and Overwhelmed) Parent
Positive Discipline is especially beneficial for busy and overwhelmed parents who may feel like they don't have the time or energy to implement a positive approach to discipline. By taking a proactive approach to parenting, and focusing on positive reinforcement and problem-solving, parents can help their children become more self-disciplined and cooperative, leading to a more peaceful household.
By focusing on positive reinforcement and problem-solving, parents can help their children become more self-disciplined and cooperative
With busy schedules and demands on their time, it can be challenging for parents to find the time and energy to use positive discipline consistently. However, by making positive discipline a priority and implementing simple techniques, such as using single-word reminders or practicing selective ignoring, even the busiest parents can reap the benefits of this approach.
Establish a routine:
Having a consistent routine for meals, homework, playtime and bedtime can help children feel secure and reduce misbehaviour.
Stay calm:
Children can pick up on their parents' emotions, so it's important to stay calm when dealing with misbehaviour. Take a deep breath and respond in a calm and firm manner.
Use positive language:
Instead of saying "don't do that," try to use positive language and tell your child what they should do instead. For example, instead of saying "don't run," say "let's walk."
Give choices:
Offering choices to children can help them feel empowered and reduce power struggles. For example, "do you want to wear the blue shirt or the red shirt?"
Practice empathy:
Try to understand your child's perspective and feelings, even when they are misbehaving. This can help you respond in a more compassionate and effective way.
Use natural consequences:
Instead of punishment, use natural consequences to help children learn from their mistakes. For example, if a child doesn't finish their homework, they may have to miss out on screen time.
Take care of yourself:
It's important for parents to prioritize self-care, whether it's getting enough sleep, exercise, or alone time. This can help you stay calm and patient when dealing with misbehaviour.
No-Drama Discipline
No-Drama discipline is a specific approach to positive discipline that emphasizes the importance of understanding a child's needs and emotions. This approach encourages parents to respond to their child's behaviour in a calm and positive manner, rather than reacting with anger or frustration. No-Drama discipline also encourages parents to use discipline as an opportunity for learning and growth, rather than punishment.
Positive Parenting Books
Rebecca Eanes is a parenting expert who has written several books on positive discipline and positive parenting. Her approach emphasizes the importance of building a strong relationship with children and focusing on their strengths and abilities. Eanes also encourages parents to use empathy and understanding when disciplining their children.
If you're looking for a guide to help your children develop self-discipline, responsibility, cooperation, and problem-solving skills, we highly recommend "Positive Discipline: The Classic Guide" by Jane Nelsen.
This book provides practical techniques and strategies for implementing positive discipline in a variety of settings, including the home and classroom. With its clear and concise writing style, the book is easy to understand and apply in real-life situations. It's a valuable resource for parents, educators, and anyone interested in promoting a positive and respectful approach to discipline.
Conclusion
Positive Discipline is a proactive and positive approach to parenting that focuses on building strong relationships with children and encouraging appropriate behaviour. By using positive reinforcement, logical consequences and problem-solving, parents can help their children to develop important life skills and to become responsible and respectful individuals. It is important for parents to make time to connect with their children and to be consistent with their discipline, in order to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
FAQs
What are some positive methods of discipline and guidance?
Positive methods of discipline and guidance include positive reinforcement, logical consequences and problem-solving.
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