Teenagers-How to Reduce the Battles

As parents, disciplining teenagers can feel like a constant struggle. However, I believe most of the issue lies in how we identify the problems we often perceive as harmful in our teenagers. There are three major factors to consider. When children enter their teenage-years, their developmental stage shifts toward separation and individuation. As our teens […]
Discipline, Consequences, and Punishment

Punishment and discipline are often used interchangeably, yet their meanings couldn’t be more different. The Latin root of punishment means “to inflict pain,” while the Latin root of discipline means “to teach.” At some point, people end up in positions that involve disciplining others. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, supervisor or manager, handling discipline problems […]
Choice Theory and Individualistic and Collectivistic Cultures
I am always grateful for meaningful learning opportunities, but I generally prefer them more when I don’t look like an idiot in the process! I have been traveling in Asia and was repeatedly struck by people’s concerns about pleasing their parents, even parents that are quite controlling. I have written a book about diversity, yet […]
Helping Kids After Divorce When One Parent Stops Parenting
The ideal divorce is done respectfully, without malice and blame. Throughout the transition, the parents support each other and work together to co-parent their children. If step-parents are introduced, everyone works together to create a unified parenting team. Does this sound like a fantasy to you? Is this not the way your divorce is going? Are your children suffering because your ex has left them in the divorce too? This is not ideal, but there are still things you can do to help your children through this.
School Question & Answer
Q: From a school principal using the principles of InsideOut Empowerment:
Here is the dilemma: A second-grade teacher and I have been attempting to help a second grader improve his behavior in school. He does fairly well in the classroom with the teacher nearby, but when he’s in more unstructured situations (cafeteria, bus, playground, etc.) he makes terrible choices over and over. (He is always watching to see if he can “get away with something.”)
Discipline vs. Punishment – Part II
In my last post, we talked about punishing. Now, instead of punishing, let’s look at what it might be like to teach self-discipline instead. Let’s say your child has a habit of not abiding by his or her curfew. The child agrees to the curfew and then chronically comes home late espousing sincere apologies. Naturally, […]
Discipline vs. Punishment – Part I
Do you know the difference between discipline and punishment with their Latin roots? Punishment implies “inflicting pain,” while discipline means “to teach.” Parents who use punishment are missing important opportunities to teach their children better behaviors and help them learn self-discipline. Children can actually be taught responsible behaviors to help them get the things they […]