What Is PD?
Comparing it to traditional discipline will help explain. Managing children in this way focuses on control and is very adult-centred. The old cliche
Children should be seen and not heard
just about says it all. With traditional discipline, the parent's life is made easier - the child's needs are secondary. This status quo is of course described as benefitting the toddler in terms of developing self discipline and the vague concept of 'character building'.
The more enlightened approach is child centred, but the good news is that you as parent get to feel good about yourself, because you get the child to think your way and feel good about themselves. And who wouldn't want that for their child?
It's a win-win situation.
Positive discipline helps develop both self discipline and self esteem. But how? You can teach self discipline through, amongst other things: - being a positive role model
- clear communication
- preventing problems, which reduces the emotional challenges facing toddlers
Self esteem is nurtured through, amongst other things: - an understanding of toddler behaviour
- praise and loving support
- respecting the natural limitations (e.g. language) of this age group
Limits of This Method
PD used in isolation is a recipe for disaster. If you rely solely on positive techniques, you have nothing to fall back on when your toddler tests you, as they inevitably will. Such parents become pushovers, and do both themselves and their kids no favours in the long run.The best thing is of course to combine positive discipline with firm boundaries that you stick to like glue. So for example, you might try to persuade your child to get in the pushchair by asking for help posting a letter. However there will be times when no amount of encouraging can overcome a stubborn toddler. If this is the case, just put them in the stroller or threaten to take away something they like.
Are You Resistant To The Very Idea Of PD?
This method of managing children's behaviour reflects the shift in society since the 1960's - unquestioning deference to authority is out; equal rights and the rise of the individual are in. All this might make sense to you - but if you had a very traditional upbringing, you might well feel resistant to it. So often we find ourselves acting just like our parents. Awareness of this is the starting point. The next step is to experiment with the techniques on this site, which are all based on positive discipline. The great thing about this age group is that you can try something, then move on if it doesn't work - you won't get any 'you're so fickle' complaints from your kid!
Return from Positive Discipline to Toddler Discipline
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