What is Positive Discipline?

The concept behind Positive Discipline is teaching. Instead of using negative motivators, such as punishment, this theory believes that children need to be taught, guided, and encouraged.

 
  • Developing practices that teach children behavior from within, not from fear of punishment, is the key.
  • In studies, it has been shown that punishment can affect brain development. Cortisol, the stress hormone, affects every system in the body.
  • Learning the concepts of positive discipline requires a “re-training” of one’s instinctual responses.
  • Empowerment of the child, as opposed to disempowerment, is a critical component of this theory.
  • Teaching children respect, cooperation, and problem solving skills are at the center of this process.
  • Positive discipline is a long term solution aimed at behavior change. This is not a “quick-fix.”
  • Parents practicing positive discipline see changes in their relationships with their children.