Essentials of Discipline

Part of ‘Your Child’ Series

By Dr James Dobson

Course Resources/Make-up

Set of 3 DVD’s: – contains the 12 sessions covered

Parents Guide book: - Each session states the goal, has study questions and an example/exercise/activity

Staffing the Course

This course is intended for home use – however it would also work well in a parenting home group, mums play group etc. It does not require ‘formal facilitation’

Course Participants

Parents – The material is for home use

Aims of the Course

To gain practical understanding and encouragement in your parenting.
To feel confident in your ability to handle discipline in a positive way.
To understand that loving discipline works

Overview of the Content

Each DVD session is approximately 15 minutes long. Following the DVD there are study questions in the book along with examples, questions and answers, charts, or comments. The sessions are easy listening with humorous cartoon examples.

Topics

Session 1
Why Your Child Needs Discipline - Realising children need healthy boundaries and guidelines.

Session 2
Irresponsibility vs. Defiance – Learning to recognise the difference between childish irresponsibility and willful defiance.

Session 3
Anger vs. Action - Using action instead of anger to control a child’s behaviour.

Session 4
Finding Balance in Discipline – Finding the right balance between being too strict or too permissive

Session 5
To Spank or Not to Spank – Using spanking as an effective part of loving discipline
**Please note, spanking is illegal in New Zealand, You need not watch this session. This session is based on the premise that spanking is one of many tools a parent can choose to use or not use. It discusses guidelines for ‘loving’ spanking – including when not to spank.

Session 6
Compliant vs. Defiant – Discover the blessings of raising well-behaved and strong-willed children

Session 7
Changing Discipline as Your Child Grows Part 1 – Discovering practical ways to discipline from babyhood through the toddler years.

Session 8
Changing Discipline as Your Child Grows Part 2 – Approaching discipline with children ages 4 through adolescence.

Session 9
Protecting the Spirit – Learn how to shape a child’s will while preserving his or her delicate spirit.

Session 10
The Strong-Willed Adolescent Part 1 – Understanding the various stages of adolescence

Session 11
The Strong-Willed Adolescent Part 2 – Accepting the challenges and opportunities associated with adolescence

Session 12
The Ultimate Priority – What price are you willing to pay to be there for your child?

Format of a typical session

There is no typical session laid out in the book as this material has been designed with home use in mind. It would suit small groups in informal settings and could work well with a group of mums who gather during the day with children, for example.  DVD session is short so both this and any discussion can happen casually while children play.

Costs

No costs are required as it is not designed as a formal parenting course. It is not advised that you charge anything if it is used in a group setting.

Why use this Course?

·         It provides parents with knowledge on how and when to provide loving, safe, relevant discipline.

·         The course gives some biblical background and the benefits of discipline

·         It is relevant for play groups/groups of parents who regularly meet and have had conversations regarding discipline.

·         The course is relevant for couples seeking wisdom and help with regards to discipline in their own family

·         It is relevant as a training tool for children and family workers.