Though not unusual, it can be annoying.
What are teachers doing that youre not?
It definitely does not mean youre a bad parent and your kids teacher knows better.
But that doesnt mean you couldnt benefit from hearing about a few tricks teachers have up their sleeves.
and Kelly Gfroerer, Ph.D., who co-authored the bestsellingPositive Discipline seriesof books.
At the same time, punishing kids for not reading enough also isnt the best tactic.
I cant trust adults.
- Rebellion
Ill do just the opposite to prove I dont have to do it their way.
- Revenge
They are winning now, but Ill get even.
- Retreat
This can come in the form of sneakiness (I wont get caught next time.)
or reduced self-esteem (I am a bad person.).
Some examples include:
Connection:
Validate feelings: I see you are frustrated and angry.
Correction:
It is okay to feel what you feel, but it is not okay to kick.
What else could you do?
Verbalize caring: I care about what you have to say.
Lets find time to sit together and brainstorm solutions that are respectful to everyone.
Use prevention as a discipline tool
Want to check that your child doesnt do something?
In other words, plan ahead and be proactive as much as possible.
An earlier version of this story originally appeared onA Fine Parentand was re-published on Lifehacker on 1/12/15.
It was updated on 10/25/19 to provide more thorough and current information.
