Family & Relationships · Nonfiction · Discipline of children
Positive Discipline by Jane Nelsen — Summary, Key Ideas & Quotes
2007336 pages✦ 3-min Big ideas
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What is Positive Discipline about?
As a parent, you face one of the most challenging--and rewarding--roles of your life. No matter how much you love your child, there will still be moments filled with anger, frustration, and, at times, desperation. What do you do? Over the years, millions of parents just like you have come to trust the Positive Discipline series for its consistent, commonsense approach to child rearing. In this completely updated edition of Positive Discipline A--Z, you will learn how to use methods to raise a child who is responsible, respectful, and resourceful. You'll find practical solutions to such parenting challenges as:- Sibling Rivalry - Bedtime Hassles - School Problems - Getting Chores Done - ADHD Eating Problems - Procrastination - Whining - Tattling and Lying - Homework Battles - And Dozens More!This newly revised and expanded third edition contains up-to-the-minute information on sleeping through the night, back talk, and lack of motivation as well as tips on diet, exercise, and obesity prevention, and new approaches to parenting in the age of computers and cell phones.From the Trade Paperback edition.
A glimpse inside
Kind and Firm Parenting
Nelsen emphasizes that effective discipline is both kind and firm at the same time. Instead of harsh punishment or indulgent permissiveness, parents are encouraged to set clear boundaries while treating children with dignity and respect. This balance helps children feel secure and valued, which in turn fosters cooperation and trust. The book provides specific examples and language parents can use to communicate expectations without resorting to threats or bribes.
Focus on Solutions, Not Punishment
A core idea is shifting from a punishment mindset to a solutions-oriented approach. When problems arise—whether it's sibling rivalry, bedtime struggles, or homework battles—parents are guided to involve children in finding respectful, practical solutions. This collaborative process teaches problem-solving skills and accountability, rather than simply enforcing compliance through fear or rewards.
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Get smart in 3 min
6 key ideas, distilled
- 1Kind and Firm Parenting
- 2Focus on Solutions, Not Punishment
- 3Encouragement Over Praise
- 4Teaching Life Skills
- 5Long-Term Parenting Perspective
Popular quotes from Positive Discipline
“Where did we ever get the crazy idea that in order to make children do better, first we have to make them feel worse?”
“Children do better when they feel better.”
Frequently asked
As a parent, you face one of the most challenging--and rewarding--roles of your life. No matter how much you love your child, there will still be moments filled with anger, frustration, and, at times, desperation. What do you do? Over the years, millions of parents just like you have come to trust the Positive Discipline series for its consistent, commonsense approach to child rearing. In this com