“Where did we get the crazy idea that in order to motivate children to do better, first, we have to make them feel worse?” – Dr. Jane Nelson

Positive Discipline is a program developed by Dr. Jane Nelsen and based on the work of two psychiatrists, Alfred Adler (1870-1935) and Rudolf Dreikurs (1897-1972). 

Adler believed that human behavior is purposive; that is, it’s directed by goals to belong and feel significant, and that even “misbehavior” has a purpose: it is a visible attempt to solve an unseen problem or to satisfy a need that may not be outwardly expressed.

Dr. Adler first introduced the idea of parenting education to United States audiences in the 1920s. The classroom techniques, which were initially introduced in Vienna in the early 1920s, were brought to the United States by Dr. Dreikurs in the late 1930s. In 1981, Dr. Jane Nelsen wrote and self-published her first Positive Discipline book. Many books, seminars, and teaching classes for parents later, she and her colleagues started a great educational movement and today it’s a very popular discipline approach in Canada, sadly, less so in the United States.

The confusion lies at the base of the term. The term “positive discipline” has become very popular. Many parenting books and programs, that claim to be positive discipline, are based on the philosophy of behaviorism, which is very different from the original Adlerian-based approach: behaviorism promotes “external” locus of control, while Adlerian based positive discipline promotes “internal” locus of control, as indicated in the Five Criteria for Positive Discipline. Promoting internal motivation in children allows them to grow up into respectful, resilient, capable, and happy adults.

Positive Discipline is based on the understanding that discipline must be taught and that discipline teaches.

Positive Discipline teaches children to learn motivation from within to how and why to get along with other people. The child is held responsible for misbehavior, but the consequences are always respectful, related, reasonable, and helpful to the situation. It teaches important social and life skills in a manner that is encouraging for both, children and adults (including parents, teachers, childcare providers, youth workers, etc). 

The Five Criteria For Positive Discipline

Many adults find that dealing with children could be exhausting and frustrating, when in fact it could be enjoyable and stimulating. Positive Discipline designed to help caregivers to recognize the power in each moment – even difficult ones – and act in ways that encourage, teach, and respect.

1. Helps children feel a sense of connection (belonging and significance); 

2. Is kind and firm at the same time (respectful and encouraging);

3. Is effective long-term (punishment may “work” in the short term, but has negative long-term results);

4. Teaches valuable social life skills for good character (respect, concern for others, problem-solving, cooperation, contribution). 

5. Invites children to discover how capable they are and to use their personal power in constructive ways.

The Main Concepts of Positive Discipline

• 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 kids do what they do and works to change those beliefs, rather than merely attempting to change behavior.
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills.
• A 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.

What Children Learn With Positive Discipline

• I am a capable person.
• I can contribute in meaningful ways and I am genuinely needed.
• I can influence what happens to me in life.
• I have the ability to understand my personal emotions, to use that understanding to develop self-discipline and self-control, and to learn from my experience.
• I have the ability to work with others and to develop friendships through communicating, cooperating, negotiating, sharing, empathizing, and listening.
• I have the ability to respond to the limits and consequences of everyday life with responsibility, adaptability, flexibility, and integrity.
• I have the ability to use wisdom and to evaluate situations according to appropriate values.

What can Positive Discipline do for your family? Find out more: https://lilia.shifrin.coach/p