Beyond Setting Limits
Mainstream "modern" psychology still seems to be advocating the use of time out, rewards, sticker charts--essentially, behavior modification--although the evidence is in that these techniques are not optimal for the development of our children. Although sometimes they work in the short term, use of rewards/punishments often backfires in that the child becomes increasingly rebelllious, or overly submissive and deferrent to authority. Also, constant power struggles can ensue, leaving us as parents with a nagging feeling that something just isn't right.
I teach parenting classes based on principals of compassionate (also known as nonviolent) communication. I believe that learning these principals can really help us become the parents we really want to be. You CAN parent without resorting to use of threats, punishment, bribes, and pleading! It is just that most of us haven't been exposed to the models for how to do this... Your children will become more self-confident, self-motivated, and loving as you make changes in your parenting. I have seen this happen over and over again. What better motivation for you to change than the well-being of the most precious ones in your life!
I teach parenting classes based on principals of compassionate (also known as nonviolent) communication. I believe that learning these principals can really help us become the parents we really want to be. You CAN parent without resorting to use of threats, punishment, bribes, and pleading! It is just that most of us haven't been exposed to the models for how to do this... Your children will become more self-confident, self-motivated, and loving as you make changes in your parenting. I have seen this happen over and over again. What better motivation for you to change than the well-being of the most precious ones in your life!
