It all began with a marshmallow. Yes, a marshmallow. In the following video, hear Dr. Stuart Shanker explain the crucial role self-regulation plays in a child’s present and future success and how a marshmallow was involved in the discovery of this important information! Dr. Shanker will be speaking on the subject of self-regulation at the […]
What’s all the buzz about Self Regulation? Read More »
Exciting Opportunity for Parents, Teachers, Caregivers or anyone working with Children! The Positive Discipline Conference which is taking place October 25 & 26 in Calgary, promises to provide a unique learning opportunity for parents, teachers, caregivers and anyone working with children. Those who attend this event will receive information that, if applied, can influence how
Positive Discipline Conference, Calgary, AB. Oct. 25 & 26, 2013 Read More »
We’ve always heard that how we say something is more important than what we say. Now we know why. It’s because of mirror neurons. Mirror neurons allow us to tune in to the movements and feelings of others and are often referred to as “monkey see, monkey do” neurons. They read someone else’s intention as
Talking to Children in Ways that Invite Cooperation Read More »
Getting Kids to Listen Can be as Simple as Asking a Question! My last post was with regards to the need to develop children’s inner locus of control and the fact that children who develop a strong inner locus of control are also more successful academically and in other areas of life. One of the
Ask Questions – Step 7 in “Encouraging Kids to More Cooperative Behavior” Read More »
Between the ages of 1 and 3, children start their journey towards independence and personal power. This is a normal and healthy stage in their development. While children require a great deal of guidance, it’s important to respect and support this increasing need for independence and personal power. When children are supported in these areas
“When provided the opportunity to problem solve, children often come up with some of the same solutions that they would ignore if they were offered by adults in the form of lectures!” It’s amazing what great problem solvers children can be and how much more cooperative they become when they are actually involved in the
Practicing power “with” children vs. power “over” children can be more of a shift in thinking for adults than actually giving up punishment. We often think it is more about what we do “to” children to make them change their ways (the power over thing again)! To recap Steps 1 – 3 (in “Encouraging Children
Practice “Power With” Kids! Encouraging Kids to More Positive Behaviour – Step 4 Read More »
The most effective way to influence behaviour is through encouragement. To clarify, however, encouragement is not about being permissive or letting children “get away” with things. Sometimes encouragement has to come in the form of being firm with children. Children need structure and they need limits. Without them, they flounder. One of the foundational
Encouraging Children to More Positive Behavior – Step 3. Read More »
Are you trying to control children with punishment? If you read my last post, you’ll have read about how trying to control kid’s behaviour through punishment is an illusion. But if we give up punishment what do we do? If you’re experiencing challenging behaviour from the children in your life, encouragement is the most effective
After a long absence, I look forward to get back to blogging and helping adults create environments where kids “thrive, learn and cooperate”! “Where did we get the crazy idea that in order for kids to do better we have to first make them feel worse?” This is one of my favourite quotes of Jane
Ruth Buffam
Certified Positive Discipline Educator & Trainer
Positive Discipline Solutions Canada