Positive Guidance Series

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Positive Guidance Video Series

In this 4-part video series, join Dr. Amy Brereton and local families as she addresses foundational concepts around discipline rooted in relationships. Watch as Dr. Amy addresses top parenting concerns, including guiding toddlers, resolving sibling conflict, managing tantrums and handling "parent guilt." This video series is a great way to learn best practices on disciplining your child respectfully and positively to create a healthy and happy home

Part 1: Composure

  • Learn how adult emotional responses impact children’s behavior.=
  • Learn practical strategies to help you stay calm and regain composure when children’s behavior is unhelpful or hurtful.
  • Learn how to identify the tools you are currently using to guide children’s behavior and determine if those tools are effective.

Part 2: Supporting Children’s Intrinsic Motivation

  • Learn how to move away from fear and shame-based punishment and away from the use of rewards to manipulate children’s behavior.
  • Learn how to move towards guidance that helps support children’s inner motivation to make helpful and safe choices.
  • Develop practical strategies to build strong relationships that yield helpful behavior.
  • Acquire ideas for modifying your schedule and home environment to minimize frustration for you and your child.

Part 3: Communication

  • Learn how to phrase things so children understand what you want them to do.
  • Identify and eliminate common communication practices that result in confusion for the child.
  • Be more mindful of what you communicate through your voice tone and body language.

Part 4: Handling Your Child’s Aggression

  • Don’t take it personally. When a child acts aggressively, they’re not acting out of malice. Rather, they might lack impulse control or haven’t developed the skills to deal with new situations.
  • Be realistic about your child’s ability to follow rules. Give your child clear and simple directions and give them enough time to learn to adjust to new norms. New situations and rules can cause children to feel overwhelmed and show aggressive behavior.
  • Develop your child’s emotional and social skills. Every child has their own perspective and how they respond to situations depends on their personality. Quite often, they need our help to understand how to respond to their feelings or emotions.
  • Focus on maintaining a positive relationship. A child’s aggression is often not helped by a severe, judgmental response. Instead, focus on the relationship, whether it’s between your child and you, or your child and another child.