![]() ![]() Editor's Note: The print version of MelnikNotes also includes an interview with the authors, an advice column by the staff psychologist, and a commentary by Peg Melnik. For details, read About MelnikNotes.
![]() What did you think? Share your views on the strategies in Positive Discipline A to Z. | Positive Discipline A to ZThis month MelnikNotes shares highlights from Positive Discipline A to Z (Prima Publishing, 354 pages, $14.95) by Jane Nelsen, Lynn Lott, and H. Stephen Glenn. On the verge of a nervous breakdown? If you're tempted to put your kid in a straitjacket from time to time, this book will teach you how to put a positive spin on discipline. The authors assure you it's possible to maintain discipline and still treat your kid with dignity and respect. Read on and learn how to be a proactive parent rather than a reactive one. What follows is an overview of some of the major points in Positive Discipline A to Z; this is an excerpt from the July/August issue of MelnikNotes.
Proactive Parenting Proactive parents continually remind themselves that the long-range purpose of parenting is to help children develop high self-esteem and to learn life skills such as problem-solving and cooperation. This motivates parents to look for long-term solutions when disciplining rather than quick fixes.
Truth or Consequences If you begin to question your logic on occasion, you can use the three Rs of logical consequences as a guide: related, respectful, and reasonable. The authors give this example: "If a child draws on a wall, it would be related, respectful, and reasonable for that child to clean the wall."
Keep the Faith And if you have faith you won't feel compelled to punish or control. You can keep "the long-range picture in mind" by reminding yourself--over and over if necessary--that your kid won't act like Bart Simpson forever.
Home Rule Other highlights in the July/August issue include:
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