Jill Blazer
Book Review
October 21, 2012
Book Title: Positive Discipline
Author: Jane Nelsen, Ed. D.
Publisher and Date of Publication: Originally published by Sunrise Press, Fair Oaks, Cain 1981. First Ballantine Book Edition: August 1987.
Purpose: One of the key purposes of this book is to give a very practical set of guidelines for parents and teachers who wish to help their children develop self-disciplines, responsibility, and positive capabilities and attitudes.
Quotes:
1. Pages 13 &14
“Positive Discipline is not humiliating to children, nor to adults.” “Positive Discipline teaches children self-discipline and responsibility.”
The four R’s of Punishment:
1. Resentment-(This is unfair, I can’t trust adults.”)
2. Revenge-(“They are winning now, but I’ll get even”)
3. Rebellion-(“I’ll do just the opposite to prove I don’t have to do it their way.”)
4. Retreat: a. Sneakiness-(I’ won’t get caught next time.”) b. Reduced self-esteem-(“I am a bad person.”)
These quotes came from the first chapter of the book. I’m glad to have a guide that treats people with respect. I do not have to rely on the mistakes of past generations in raising my children; there is a better way, a more balanced way where both adults and children feel validated.
2. Page 23
“Children Are Social Beings: Behavior is determined within a social context. Children make decisions about themselves and how to behave, based on how they see themselves in relationship to others and how they think others feel about them.”
I have had 2 specific experiences to help me learn this principal. The first was with a student who was not fitting in socially, and his academics were falling behind. The next was with a student who was misbehaving in a reading group. Through talking to him, we discovered that he felt like leaving the classroom was a punishment.
3. Page 40
“We should always remember to look for and appreciate the many ways each individual is...