If you are new to the world of Gentle Discipline, it's important to know what the real meaning of the word "Discipline" really is. Merriam-Webster gives several definitions for the word discipline. Training that corrects and molds the mental faculties and moral character is the definition that is most in line with the basic concepts of gentle discipline. Today's posts focus on tools and techniques gentle parents can use to shape and mold our children gently, while still setting limits and boundaries.
In "We Don't Do Discipline", muminsearch describes the 6 foundational elements of the relationship with her children that take the place of punishment.
I remember having a conversation with my husband. He was wondering, "Shouldn't we be doing what other people are doing - discipline our children, set consequences and use time-outs?"
My answer to that was, "We don't need to"
Read more about why punishment and discipline aren't the focus for them.
Paige is also talking about punishment today in Punishment in Perspective where she compares how we treat our children to how we treat our spouses.
In "Gentle Discipline Basics: Teaching Skills", The Hippie Housewife provides a great set of tools that can be modified to all ages and stages of child development. She reminds us that:
This idea of teaching skills applies throughout childhood. For example:
In "The Fine Art of Natual Consequences and Logical Consequences", Hybird Rasta Mama breaks down the two main types of consequences that can be used in a gentle household and when each might be appropriate to call on.
Gentle parenting relies on two type of consequences: natural consequences and logical consequences. Natural and logical consequences help children learn responsibility. They also learn how to solve their own problems. With this method, parents can raise children without anger or threats. Children learn what happens when they misbehave and what they should do differently next time.
And finally, tune into PracticalOHmommy to learn how to "Save Time-Outs for the Soccer Field". She describes the use of various techniques including redirection, validation, and time-ins to teach children problem solving skills that they can carry with them into their grown-up years.
What are some tools in your gentle discipline toolkit that have been effective for you?
[box type="box" width="400" template="drop-shadow lifted" color="magenta"]You can win one of two copies of Positive Parenting in Action by Rebecca Eanes and Laura Ling. Click here to enter to win an art print and other prizes[/box]
Please join us all week, June 25-June30, 2012, as we explore the world of gentle, effective parenting. We have new posts each day by talented authors providing us with insight into why gentle parenting is worth your time and how to implement it on a daily basis. We are also giving away several parenting book and other goodies from our sponsors this week. Please stop by and enter to win!
This year's beautiful motherhood artwork is by Patchwork Family Art. Visit the store to see all her work.
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