RESPONSIVE DISCIPLINE

• Decision made by parents ( thoughtful not impulsive or indulgent)

• Based on alternatives (making choices) Parents consider options and select response based on knowledge of children, themselves and circumstances.
• Promotes self-esteem (considers children's feelings and needs)

• Promotes goals of self-respect, hope, courage and compassion.

• Promotes responsibility ( setting and enforcing reasonable limits helps teach children self-control, the difference between right and wrong and develops values that emphasize feelings and needs.

• Parents using responsive discipline accept the responsibility to provide support and structure. (neither too permissive or excessive use of power and authority. parents serve as guide - balancing gentleness, control, freedom and disapproval with encouragement)

• Based on the belief that parents are capable and loveable - using a variety of discipline tools.

FOUR STEP SEQUENCE

1. STOP -- Pause for a moment to cool off

2. LOOK & LISTEN -- Read situation quickly (what really happened here?)

3. THINK -- Form a plan

• --- Evaluate the problem: ( does one exist) Ignore? Respond?
• --- Purpose: what do you want the child to learn?
• --- Set targets: what do you want to accomplish right now?
• --- Consider alternatives: Different ways to respond - what tool should be used?

4. ACT -- Carry out your decision

WHY CHILDREN MISBEHAVE?

1. They have been rewarded for misbehavior.
2. They have copied what their parents do.
3. They are testing whether rules will be enforced.
4. They are asserting themselves and their independence.
5. They are protecting themselves.
6. They feel bad about themselves.

University of Rhode Island, United States Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating, Cooperative Extension in Rhode Island prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.

If you are interested in more information please call 401.277.5255.