In mainstream parenting, ‘misbehaviour’ is lamented as the reason why children need punishment, control and manipulation. The focus is on the behaviour, what the child is doing. In respectful parenting, we are more intentional. We look deeper. All behaviour is communication. It’s not about the behaviour, but what prompted the behaviour? The term ‘misbehaviour’ in […]
What DO we do Instead of Punishment?
Probably the most frequently asked question I get asked by readers in comments of shares of my parenting posts is “what do you do then?” How do respectful parents parent without punishment and other forms of manipulation? When they hear that we don’t spank, yell, force manners, use time out, take possessions, manipulate or bribe they […]
What to Say When Children Have Strong Emotions
Children of all ages experience strong emotions. As loving parents it can be uncomfortable to watch them struggle. You want to help them, you want them to be OK. But sometimes as a result of our own discomfort, we try to stop these emotions in their tracks. In turn we don’t allow our children to […]