If we want our children to be kind and respectful, it only makes sense to treat them with kindness and respect. Logical and natural consequences do just that. While the child’s behavior still has consequences, those consequences are understandable when they’re logical consequences.
Julie Jenkins Sathe, author of Enlightened Discipline, has a simple, one-minute-twenty-four-second video on natural and logical consequences. The video isn’t slick or professionally done, but the point comes across loud and clear. You can teach personal responsibility by using a logical, respectful approach to disciplining your child.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In1W3qGBGAg[/youtube]
“It's okay if they struggle.” That's a great tip… thanks for sharing this! ♥ Michelle
Thanks for your comment, Michelle! I think that was a good point in the video. It's important for people to realize that gentle discipline doesn't need to be overly permissive or easy, but it does need to be respectful and compassionate.
You have no kids, Do you?
Actually, I have two kids. They’re now 20 and 25. My husband and I never spanked them, yet people have often told us how nice and well-mannered our kids are. I used Montessori techniques to teach them the proper behavior from the beginning, and we used techniques like logical consequences and P.E.T. (Parent Effectiveness Training) discussions if we had issues to deal with. Those techniques along with unconditional love worked. We’re very proud of our kids and still get along great with them!
I can understand the question above. I believe you when you say your kids were well-adjusted and well-behaved. What if you did’t get off on the right start or you didn’t teach them well. Now, your kid is three and he doesn’t care if his room is clean and she walks away from the spilled milk while knocking her plate of food across the floor as she goes. I try this concept and it takes threats of punishment to get her to cooperate. She surprises me sometimes, but not often lately. So, where do you start now, when that foundation is missing?
There is so much to change around here!
Thanks.