Positive Discipline

I was on my usual Facebook/Twitter/Instagram back read (what do you call it if you look back on IG photos because obviously, you don't read photos... HAHA!) when I stumbled upon this linked article on Rappler. It caught my attention for two reasons: First is that it says "Positive Discipline". Actually, whenever I read the word positive, 101% of the time, I click on the link. Second, it says "The new way of parenting". Although I did not grow up in a household that physically punishes the children for faults, psychologically, I think something went wrong not only to me but to my siblings as well and I don't want my daughter to experience something like that.

Positive Discipline is a way of disciplining kids minus the usual corporal punishment that's rampant among Filipino families. It also promotes healthy upbringing of well-rounded kids who are not only respectable of adults, but who are also aware of their basic rights as a human being. It also allows children to acquire the skills set that they will need to tread through (real) life.

I admit: There are times when I lose my cool and let go of the occasional spank on the bum but after reading this, I realized that I might be screwing up a learning child for good. Now is the ripest of times to change gears and actually discipline without hurting my daughter both physically and psychologically.

Dr.  Joan Durant, the Canadian family therapist who introduced this concept, provided the public with 7 characteristics of Positive Discipline, as stated in the Rappler article:

1. Non-violent and respectful of the child as a learner
2. About finding long-term solutions that develop children’s own self-discipline
3. Involves clear communication of parents’ expectations, rules, and limits
4. Builds a mutually respectful relationship between parent and child
5. Teaches children life-long skills
6. Increases children's competence and confidence to handle challenging situations
7. Teaches courtesy, non-violence, empathy, self-respect, human rights and respect for others.

Positive Discipline also differentiates discipline from punishment. Harsh physical and power-assertive parenting almost always result in a negative child outcome while inductive (e.g. use of reasoning) parenting is associated with positive child outcome.

What I love most about what I've learned about Positive Discipline so far is the fact that it allows the child to be heard and to be treated as an equal to the parent when it comes to being a "person". I love my family and all but I grew up in a household where the mere act of answering a question counts as "sumasagot ng pabalang" and having a different opinion means you're being a "pasaway". This new concept allows for the child to speak up without being punished for saying the wrong thing, how ever light the punishment is.

The PETA Advocates Right to Safety Zone (PETA ARTS Zone) is the one spearheading this project in the Philippines. They are calling for Positive Discipline as a way to raise the modern Filipino child.

Love does not need to hurt and that is why the PETA ARTS Zone, in partnership with Plan International, Child Rights Network, and Dakila, is inviting us supermommies and superdaddies to "Go Positive! The Celebrity Advocates" Media Launch on May 21, Thursday, 11:00 am-2:00 pm at the QC Sports Club located at E. Rodriguez Sr., Blvd., Quezon City.

Understand more about Positive Discipline and learn the reasons why the Positive Discipline Bill should be passed in the Congress in this event and let us all help eradicate the source of domestic abuse in our country.