Recent research tells us that children are hardwired from birth to connect with others, and that children who feel a sense of connection to their community, family, and school are less likely to misbehave. To be successful, contributing members of their community, children must learn necessary social and life skills. Positive Discipline is based on the understanding that discipline must be taught and that discipline teaches.
Positive Discipline is a program developed by Dr. Jane Nelsen. It is based on the work of Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs and designed to teach young people to become responsible, respectful, and resourceful members of their communities. Positive Discipline teaches important social and life skills in a manner that is deeply respectful and encouraging for both children and adults (including parents, teachers, childcare providers, youth workers, and others).
Jane Nelsen gives the following criteria for effective discipline that teaches:
FIVE CRITERIA FOR POSITIVE DISCIPLINE
- Is Kind and Firm at the same time. (Respectful and encouraging)
- Helps children feel a sense of Belonging and Significance. (Connection)
- Is Effective Long-Term. (Punishment works short term, but has negative long-term results.)
- Teaches valuable Social and Life Skills for good character. (Respect, concern for others, problem-solving, accountability, contribution, cooperation)
- Invites children to discover how Capable they are and to use their personal power in constructive ways.
To learn more about Dr. Jane Nelsen’s Positive Discipline method and courses, click here.
Dr. Jane Nelsen is the author of Positive Discipline and co-founder with Lynn Lott of a worldwide movement that has certified thousands of Positive Discipline Facilitators in over 60 countries. The original book, written in 1981, was the product of Jane’s deep gratitude for the changes she was able to make as a parent after learning the work of Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs in her college class in Child Development. Since that time, Jane has authored or co-authored many more books, tool cards, and training manuals.
Jane continues to inspire people around the world with her down to earth and creative examples of how to create and maintain respectful relationships in life. She is now the grandmother of 22 and the great grandmother of 15 and counting.
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