As a parent, February has become one of my favorite months of the year. When you think of January, you immediately think of New Year's resolutions and plans for big change. Year after year, I would find myself mired in holiday recovery and clean up mode for so much of January, that all my plans and intentions for the new year would inevitably be delayed. I used to spend most of January frustrated, overwhelmed, and discouraged that I couldn't seem to "start the year off right", like everyone else. A few years ago, I decided to set my New Year intentions with a February start instead. What a relief to not feel like I was behind from day one! By giving myself and my family time to be in the right mindset for change, we became more successful, focused, and happy with our resolutions.

What are your family's resolutions this year? If you could make one change to make your family life better, what would it be? Now picture yourself a year from now and your family has successfully made that change. How does your life look different that it did before? Finally, what is one small step you can do today to more toward making that change?

What is Positive Discipline and How Can it Help My Family?

If you ask parents to name their least favorite part of parenting, discipline is usually at the top of the list. Despite that, a good discipline model is imperative to keep parents from becoming burned out.

Many parents that use traditional discipline and punishment methods, share how terrible, exhausted, and guilty they feel at the end of the day from all the yelling, nagging, and lecturing. They share how disconnected they feel from their children, spouse, and themselves. Many will tell you that traditional discipline doesn’t work, and that the negative behaviors just continue to get worse.

Positive Discipline is a method where parents clearly communicate what behaviors are appropriate, which ones are inappropriate, and what the rewards for good behavior and the consequences for bad behavior are. It was developed by Dr. Jane Nelsen, a licensed marriage, family and child counselor and author of Positive Discipline.

It is an authoritative method focused on encouragement and problem-solving. Positive Discipline does not use yelling, spanking, or severe punishment. Experts find that it is motivating and effective for kids of all ages. This method is also a favorite of teachers and is used in classrooms across the globe.

Positive Discipline is rooted in encouragement, empowerment, and mutual respect that supports parents in finding solutions to misbehavior rather than using or relying on punishment. This method maintains that discipline is all about guiding children, not punishing them. This technique involves encouraging the behaviors you'd like to see continue, and discouraging the behaviors you'd like to see stop. Parents maintain a positive, respectful relationship with their children while disciplining them.

The method takes lots of training and practice, but it is very effective. Research has shown that children do better when they perceive both firmness and kindness from their parents. Children with parents that are both responsive to their needs and feelings, while having high — yet realistic — expectations, are much less likely to engage in socially risky behaviors and have more success socially and academically. These children find it easier to work toward concrete goals and are motivated to succeed when parents are loving and firm.

Positive Discipline is unique in that it works on children from toddlers to teens. Core concepts from the method can even be used in adult relationships as well.

Want to learn more about Positive Discipline, or see if it would be a good fit for your family? Registration is now open for a Introduction to Positive Discipline Free Class as well as our Inspiring Parents with Positive Discipline - 6 Week Course. Can't make those dates? Private training is available anytime. Book a complimentary consultation to see how we can help you Create Your Inspired Family.

Click Here to learn more about Positive Parenting and Positive Discipline.

UPCOMING EVENTS

FREE Introduction to Positive Parenting Class

This class is interactive and experiential. Please be prepared to participate. I will send you an email prior to class with useful tools and tips as well as material for our activities.

Date: Tuesday February 22, 2022
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm EST
Location: Online via Zoom

Registration Deadline is Sunday, February 20, 2022 and will be limited to the first 24 participants.

Inspiring Parents with Positive Discipline - 6 Week Course

Join parents & caregivers like you for 6 weeks of Positive Discipline classes taught by Melissa Middelthon. Based on Jane Nelsen's Positive Discipline books, you will learn to discipline with firmness and kindness. Have fun with kids and set the foundation for important social and life skills. Help children feel a sense of belonging and significance through mutual respect and encouragement. These classes are a fun way to connect with other parents in the community and practice the skills over a few weeks so that you can go more in-depth with the material.

"The class was very helpful in reducing stress and frustration in parenting. The knowledge that it is never too late to change your approach...we are so adaptable."

"Taking this class was one of the best things I've done for myself and my family since my child was born. I refer back to the class's concepts in order to deal with day-to-day issues and also feel like I have an overarching philosophy to help me as I navigate the parenting world."

A course for parents and caregivers

This course will be focused on parenting children ages 4-12 years old.

Tuesday evenings for 6 weeks
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5, 2022
6:30-8:30pm - Eastern Time
Class size minimum 8 - maximum 24

Based on the best-selling Positive Discipline parenting books by Jane Nelsen, Lynn Lott and others, parents and caregivers will learn long term solutions for raising kids to feel “I am capable, I can contribute, and I can use my personal power in useful ways to improve my life and the lives of others!” Positive Discipline teaches long term parenting skills that will encourage children to think for themselves, become more responsible and have a greater respect for themselves and others. Feel supported while learning some non-punitive, respectful methods that will incorporate kindness and firmness into your relationship with your children. Get to the core of your children's misbehavior, practice encouraging tools and gain a sense of accomplishment.

This is a highly engaging ONLINE course that works best if you can participate on a computer or tablet. We will be co-creating a safe and supportive space that will include a mix of lecture, small and large group activities, role play and collaboration.

Course Registration: $199/single or $335/double

Pricing includes one digital set of all materials needed for the course: Positive Discipline, by Jane Nelsen, The Positive Discipline Workbook, Parenting Tool cards, and bonus access to videos of key lessons and a Family Meeting Album.

Registration Deadline is February 24, 2022 and will be limited to the first 24 participants.

February 2022

Happy New Year!

What is Positive Discipline and How Can it Help My Family?

Click Here to learn more about Positive Parenting and Positive Discipline.

UPCOMING EVENTS

FREE Introduction to Positive Parenting Class

Inspiring Parents with Positive Discipline - 6 Week Course

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