The Seven Principles of Discipline

May 1st, 2014

by Katrina Brooke

1. Tell children what they can do instead of what they can’t do.

• Focus on “do” instead of “don’t”
• The over use of negative words carry less meaning

2. Protect and preserve children’s feelings that they are lovable and capable

• We want to build up children’s mental health
• What do you do, or could you do, to make your child feel lovable and capable?

3. Offer Children choices only when you are willing to abide by their decisions.

• Only offer a few choices that are appropriate
• choices are not a form of consequences.

4. Change the environment instead of the child’s behavior

• Look at the inappropriate behavior, what can you change or eliminate from the environment to change the behavior or eliminate to items that enable the behavior.

5. Work with children instead of against them

• Figure out a mutually acceptable way for your child to do what they are trying to do.
• Learn to follow your child’s lead, be flexible in your plans
• Children really want to help – make them part of the team to care for their home.

6. Give children safe limits they can understand (Recognize their feelings without accepting their actions.  Maintain your authority calmly and consistently. Let children experience the gentle consequences of their actions if they “forget” or ignore rules”).

• Rules that may be obvious to adults need to be stated and explained clearly to children
• Make your expectations for behavior clear

7. set a good example. Speak and act only in the ways you want children to speck and act.  You are the MOST important model for your child!!

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