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POSITIVE DISCIPLINE
What is Positive Discipline
Positive Discipline is a program developed by Dr. Jane Nelsen and Lynn Lott. 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).
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.
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
The Positive Discipline Parenting Classes and Classroom Management models are aimed at developing mutually respectful relationships. Positive Discipline teaches adults to employ kindness and firmness at the same time, and is neither punitive nor permissive.
The tools and concepts of Positive Discipline include:
- Mutual respect. Adults model firmness by respecting themselves and the needs of the situation, and kindness by respecting the needs of the child.
- Identifying the belief behind the behavior. Effective discipline recognizes the reasons young people do what they do and works to change those beliefs, rather than merely attempting to change behavior.
- Effective communication and problem solving skills.
- Discipline that teaches (and is neither permissive nor punitive).
- Focusing on solutions instead of punishment.
- Encouragement (instead of praise). Encouragement notices effort and improvement, not just success, and builds long-term self-esteem and empowerment.
Unique characteristics of the Positive Discipline Model also include:
- Teaching adults and students through experiential activities. Creating opportunity to practice new skills and to have fun learning by doing.
- Classroom management and parent education programs that are consistent. Parents, teachers, and childcare providers can work together to provide a secure, consistent environment for children.
- Inexpensive training and ongoing support so members of communities can teach each other Positive Discipline skills.
- Certified trainers across the country who can work with schools and communities.
Source:https://www.positivediscipline.com/about-positive-discipline