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
What’s your Style? As part of my work, I am constantly looking for books and resources that will enhance my knowledge in the area of child development, parenting, etc. Over the holidays, one of the books I read was Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman. This is definitely a book I would recommend
Styles of Parenting & Teaching Children Read More »
I often run into parents who feel that there is a stigma attached to attending a parent workshop. The thought is that you only attend a parenting class if your kids are out of control or if you are an incompetent parent. This is puzzling in light of the fact that parenting is the most
Why Take a Parenting Class? Why Positive Discipline? Read More »
With the start of the school year, comes more organized activities and less time to spend together as a family. A great way to keep up with everyone’s schedules and create some “family” time is to hold family meetings. Regular family meetings provide the opportunity for planning, problem solving, job sharing as well as family
The Joy of Family Meetings Read More »
Understand that you may need to teach your child many things over and over before he/she is developmentally ready to understand. Be patient. Minimize your words and maximize your actions. Don’t take your child’s behaviour personally and think your child is mad at you or bad or defiant. Remain the adult in the situation and
When do Kids “Know” the Meaning of “No” (Con’t) Read More »
Ruth Buffam
Certified Positive Discipline Educator & Trainer
Positive Discipline Solutions Canada