Insights on Discipline, Part 1: Introduction

What “discipline” means It’s pretty easy to equate “discipline” with punishment, or trying to stop poor behavior, but as you probably know, discipline does not mean punishment. It’s really important to remember that as parents. We sometimes hear that military leaders strive to “maintain discipline.”  That suggests controlling people with punishment or with nasty consequences […]

The Trouble With Praise (and what to do instead)

It’s totally natural to get excited about our children’s accomplishments and successes.  We feel proud and we want to share their joy.  It feels great when our child scores a winning goal, aces a test, makes varsity, has artwork displayed, plays a solo in orchestra, or stays balanced on a bike.  What’s not to like?  […]

Book Review: The Yes Brain

  Siegel, Daniel & Bryson, Tina Payne, (2018).  The Yes Brain:  How to cultivate courage, curiosity, and resilience in your child.  New York:  Bantum.  ISBN:978-0-399-59466-3 The word “Yes” in the new book, The Yes Brain, by psychiatrist Daniel Siegel and social worker Tina Bryson, refers to saying “yes” to the world — to being open, […]