Remember When Kneeling on Rice Was Used as a Method of Discipline?
As was “getting the belt” anytime you disobeyed the rules, and maybe even having your mouth washed out with soap when you talked back or said something you shouldn’t have. I know there are many out there who still flinch at the infamous “chankleta”—for some of us, nothing can incite action faster than a size 7 ½ flip flop in ready position, the threat made more severe when partnered with a count to three.
As we’ve grown during the information age, though, practices in discipline have steered away from the corporal route and now focus more on positive reinforcement— essentially rewarding good behavior, rather than punishing bad ones. Just a few weeks ago, our team at Inspire the Youth was lucky enough to train with licensed social worker, James Kimberling, on a proven positive reinforcement method, the Nurtured Heart Approach.
Created by Howard Glasser in 1992, the Nurtured Heart Approach aims to build a child’s “inner wealth” and is centered on the concept of energizing (or giving your energy to) good behavior. This means NOT reacting to negative behavior with high energy, e.g. NOT screaming your lungs out when it’s the TENTH time you’ve asked your child to get his shoes on so you can get him to school on time. Understandably, this can be counterintuitive, especially for parents who’ve been raised to know that bad works are met with a scolding, followed by some sort of punishment. But practice makes perfect, and Nurtured Heart’s proven impact and established success makes the practice well worth it.
Check out an intro to the Nurtured Heart Approach here:
The Nurtured Heart training served as the kick-off to more trainings to be hosted by Inspire the Youth for our IIC’s. Be sure to stay connected with us to stay up to date on upcoming trainings!
