Letter to the punitive parents I know

[MarynMunchkins]

I'm thinking about sending this out to the punitive parents I know. (Which, unfortunately, is nearly everyone... ) What do you think?

Hello!

In honor of National Spank-Out Day, April 30th, I’d like to invite every parent I know to stop spanking for the day and learn more about positive discipline.

Positive, non-punitive discipline was a new concept to me not too long ago. I spanked and used time-out almost exclusively, and found I was enjoying my children less and less as I had to punish their behavior more. It was about a year ago that I was introduced to positive discipline, and it dramatically changed me. Instead of dreading the days, I wake up eager to enjoy my children, and find great joy in being a mom.

In addition, my relationship with Christ has grown by leaps and bounds. I have learned more about grace by showing to my children than I could have ever learned by simply reading about it. I have found unbelievable, overwhelming joy and peace in the arms of God, and revel in His amazing parenting of me.

I’d like to encourage each and every one of you to learn more about positive, grace-based discipline, and allow it change your life and parenting just as it has done mine.

Here are a few links and suggested reading to get you started:

http://www.aolff.org/articles.htm

The author of these articles, Crystal Lutton, is the mother of 5. Her advice, both online and in her book, Biblical Parenting, is sound and practical. She can also be found moderating www.gentlechristianmothers.com and offers help to specific discipline questions.

http://www.gentlemothering.com/topics/

The owner of this board and author of many of the articles, Jeri Carr, is a mom of 4. She’s is also the owner of www.gentlechristianmothers.com.

http://joanneaz_2.tripod.com/positiv...ter/index.html

Joanne, the creator of this website, has some fantastic resources! She’s also the mother of 3 great kids.

http://www.kjsl.com/~lindav/notrain.htm

Linda’s site speaks specifically of why punitive parenting doesn’t work. You’ll notice a particularly wonderful article there, written by ME.

There are also several great books that deal with positive discipline. Most can be found at your local library. Here are just a few…(the ones in bold are my favorites)

Bailey, Becky - Easy to love, difficult to discipline

Budd, Linda – Living with your active alert child

Clark, Jean Illsley Time-In When Time-Out doesn't Work by

Cohen, Lawerence – Playful Parenting

Colorosa, Barbara - Kids are worth it.

Faber, Adele and Mazlich, Elaine - How to talk so your kids will listen and listen so your kids will talk

Faber, Adele Mazlich, Elaine - Siblings w/o rivalry

Ginott, Haim Gordon - Parent Effectiveness Training

Kurcinka, Mary Sheedy - Kids, Parents and Power Struggles and Raising your Spirited Child

Nelsen, Jane – Positive Discipline in the Christian Home

Ulrich Tobias, Cynthia - You can’t make me but I can be persuaded

Vanvonderen, Jeffrey – Families where Grace is in Place (not discipline but applicable)

Matthew McKay, Kim Paleg, Patrick Fanning, Dana Landis - When anger hurts your kids

Lutton, Crystal Biblical Parenting

Whitehurst, Teresa Jesus on Parenting

Clarkson, Clay Heartfelt Discipline

I hope these resources help and encourage you as you parent your children. They have helped me, and blessed my family immensely.

God Bless!

Mary

Dh said it was obnoxious, but not obtrusive. (He's not all the way there on the non-punitive side yet. :P) He thought it would be okay to send out. I'm wondering if maybe the list of books is too overwhelming. :/