Positive Discipline (Paperback)

by Jane Nelsen Ed.D. (Author)
Key Phrases: logical conse quence, having class meetings, bathroom technique, Positive Time, Rudolf Dreikurs, Four Problem Solving Steps (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
It is not easy to improve a classic book, but Jane Nelson has done so in this revised edition. Packed with updated examples that are clear and specific, Positive Discipline shows parents exactly how to focus on solutions while being kind and firm. If you want to enrich your relationship with your children, this is the book for you. --Sal Severe, author of How to Behave So Your Children Will, Too! --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Description
For twenty-five years, Positive Discipline has been the gold standard reference for grown-ups working with children. Now Jane Nelsen, distinguished psychologist, educator, and mother of seven, has written a revised and expanded edition. The key to positive discipline is not punishment, she tells us, but mutual respect. Nelsen coaches parents and teachers to be both firm and kind, so that any child–from a three-year-old toddler to a rebellious teenager–can learn creative cooperation and self-discipline with no loss of dignity. Inside you’ll discover how to

• bridge communication gaps
• defuse power struggles
• avoid the dangers of praise
• enforce your message of love
• build on strengths, not weaknesses
• hold children accountable with their self-respect intact
• teach children not what to think but how to think
• win cooperation at home and at school
• meet the special challenge of teen misbehavior

“It is not easy to improve a classic book, but Jane Nelson has done so in this revised edition. Packed with updated examples that are clear and specific, Positive Discipline shows parents exactly how to focus on solutions while being kind and firm. If you want to enrich your relationship with your children, this is the book for you.”
–Sal Severe, author of How to Behave So Your Children Will, Too!


Millions of children have already benefited from the counsel in this wise and warmhearted book, which features dozens of true stories of positive discipline in action. Give your child the tools he or she needs for a well-adjusted life with this proven treasure trove of practical advice.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; Rev Upd edition (May 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345487672
• ISBN-13: 978-0345487674
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #6,449 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #16 in

  Books > Parenting & Families > Parenting > Discipline

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most incredibly insightful book on parenting I've found!, February 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Positive Discipline (Revised) (Paperback)

If you are a parent, this book should definitely be on your list of MUST-READs. The idea focuses on respect, letting kids have control over some of their decisions, letting them experience the consequences -- both good and bad -- and reducing conflict in your home. The book helped me see the problems in some of the traditional methods of "discipline" I had been using, and it changed my approach for dealing with two-year old son and our interactions. The book includes concrete examples and focus areas for positive discipline, and explores the long range goals for raising our kids (like what kind of people we want them to be in the end). Since I've started putting the positive discipline principles into practice, I've seen an incredible difference in myself and my son. I started asking for his help, and now he is doing all sorts of things for himself -- getting dressed, helping carry in groceries, and willingly climbing into his car seat (if you can belive it)!! He's so excited to be making contributions to our family on his own, and I'm enjoying him so much without so many tantrums. I've been teaching him about respect -- it sounds so silly, but he seems to understand that it's about treating each other like we like each other. Of course, it isn't the end of every conflict and we still have problems and short tempers sometimes, but it is over so much faster and with fewer hurt feelings on all sides. We're finding a nice balance -- not permissive, not authoritarian -- just respectful and fair. Even if you don't accept the premise of the book, I think it will challenge you to evaluate your own parenting methods. Be forewarned though -- it may seem a little unusual if you just skim through the book, because some of the ideas are unconventional or contrary to what we've been "taught" (like letting kids play during a time out session), but I belive it really makes sense in the end and I encourage you to read the whole thing. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND it to parents who want to reduce the conflict in their house, raise kids with a positive sense of self, and really truly find enjoyment in children.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Respect for the little ones, May 3, 2000

By	Mandy D. (Vienna, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Positive Discipline (Revised) (Paperback)

This book helped me see discipline in a whole new way. It's true, children don't have to suffer in order to learn they have done something wrong. We need to have respect for the little ones just as much as anyone else, and that's sometimes hard to remember when you are angry. "Positive discipline" explains this concept well. The only problem is if you have very young kids, this book doesn't help much in terms of specific examples. Most of the examples are about children 5 and up. I would imagine "Positive Discipline for Preschoolers" would serve my situation better. I am buying that next and will write a review for it shortly......

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Works Flawlessly When Used With Commitment and Consistency , February 7, 2005

By	Kelly E. Nault "Author of 'When You're About ... - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Positive Discipline (Revised) (Paperback)

As a parenting author who only recommends the best of the best when it comes to parenting books, I was shocked to read some of the reviews which suggested that Jane's approach is both demoralizing to parents and simply does not work.

Before writing my own book, Jane's work was one of the three books I used with two blind boys who would have given Helen Keller a run for her money and helped me to not only maintain my sanity (and not go off the deep end) but also raise boys I am proud of.

Hands down parenting is the most difficult job on earth and I believe that Jane would agree. As a family counselor who uses a "feel good method of parenting" similar to Jane's I KNOW that this material works I have seen it work for thousands of parents. I also know that it takes time, consistency and sometimes even support from others. I am saddened to think that some of her material has fallen on deaf ears and some parents have even resorted to fear tactics. Why am I saddened? Because although punishments such as these can work in the short term I have seen first hand the negative effects that happen over time and know that there is a much better way.

Perhaps, because this book was originally written in the 80's and Jane doesn't spend a lot of time in this book emphasizing the importance a parent's own self-care that some readers have misinterpreted this to mean Jane doesn't care about parents. Nothing could be further from the truth though.

Jane's practical use of stories and the way in which she shares some of her own mistakes are nothing short of inspiring.