No-Drama Discipline

July 7, 2014
In their latest parenting book, UCLA professor of psychiatry Siegel and psychotherapist Bryson (coauthors of The Whole-Brain Child) explore ways of disciplining kids with consideration for their developmental stage. According to the authors, discipline can serve as a teaching tool rather than as a punishment (this, they point out, hearkens back the word’s original meaning). Parents who are prone to yelling or being reactive around their kids will be relieved to find that there are alternatives to threats, tears, and raised voices. Siegel and Bryson suggest that understanding a child’s brain, capabilities, and point of view is crucial to dealing with misbehavior. They explain that it’s important to connect first and then redirect the child, emphasizing that a parent’s long-term goal—to help children build better behavioral and relationship skills for the long-term—is more effective than short-term consequences or punishments. Citing research that shows how the brain changes with experiences, they guide readers to help build and nourish their child’s “upstairs” brain (responsible for sound decision making, empathy, and morality). With lucid, engaging prose accompanied by cartoon illustrations, Siegel and Bryson help parents teach and communicate more effectively. Illus. throughout. Agent: Doug Abrams, Idea Architects.