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Conscious Discipline is an approach to social-emotional learning and classroom management that focuses on creating a safe and connected learning environment for children. Developed by Dr. Becky Bailey, Conscious Discipline is based on the belief that children need to feel safe, loved, and connected to learn and grow.
What exactly is Conscious Discipline?
Children look up to their parents, caretakers, and instructors as role models. This is especially true when it comes to emotion management and emotional comprehension. But we can’t teach something we don’t understand. That’s when a program called Conscious Discipline might come in handy.
Social-emotional development
Conscious Discipline is a curriculum for social and emotional learning. The method, created by Dr. Becky Bailey, advocates first teaching ourselves about self-control and self-regulation and then teaching children. It teaches us how to recognize and comprehend our emotions, as well as how to manage ourselves when we are provoked. In brief, it teaches us how to be aware as adults of what we say to children and the actions we mimic.
What makes it truly remarkable is that it is an inside-out approach that teaches people how to regulate their unhappiness, sorrow, happiness, and fury. It then teaches us how to teach the same thing to our children. When provoked, they will be able to regulate their emotions and comprehend their experiences.
We are emotional when we are triggered or enraged. We may not even be aware of it, but as a result of that mood, we may shout forcefully or say something we later regret. As a result, we are teaching youngsters that these bad actions are acceptable responses.
A better degree of comprehension
Brain research is the foundation of Conscious Discipline. It is based on brain state and the ability to shift from an unconscious brain state to a more aware brain state.
We can get a better degree of comprehension if we become more mindful. We react unconsciously when we are in an upset mental state. We want to be in a higher functioning brain state to solve problems and respond rather than merely react.
What is the significance of emotional awareness for parents?
We want to be more conscious of what we educate our children. When we are passive, we encourage our children to disregard limits. Children learn to be violent from their parents. We only have the abilities that were taught to us as children.
That isn’t to mean you haven’t been an excellent teacher or caretaker! It simply implies that we do our best at the moment, but once we know better, we can do better.
The Seven Core Principles of Conscious Discipline
Conscious Discipline is built upon seven core principles that guide educators and caregivers in creating a supportive and nurturing environment. Let’s explore each of these principles:
1. Composure
Composure refers to the ability to remain calm, present, and in control of our emotions. By modeling composure, educators can teach children how to regulate their own emotions and respond to challenging situations positively.
2. Encouragement
Encouragement involves recognizing and affirming children’s efforts and accomplishments. It focuses on building self-esteem, resilience, and a positive sense of self-worth. Encouragement helps children develop a growth mindset and believe in their own abilities.
3. Assertiveness
Assertiveness is about setting clear boundaries and expectations while maintaining a respectful and compassionate approach. It teaches children how to express their needs and desires healthily and effectively, fostering positive communication and problem-solving skills.
4. Choices
Choices empower children by giving them opportunities to make decisions within appropriate limits. By offering choices, educators promote autonomy and responsibility, helping children develop critical thinking skills and a sense of ownership over their actions.
5. Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. By teaching empathy, educators help children develop compassion, kindness, and a sense of community. Empathy fosters positive relationships and conflict-resolution skills.
6. Positive Intent
Positive Intent involves assuming that every child and adult has good intentions, even when their behavior is challenging. By practicing positive intent, educators can approach difficult situations with understanding and patience, fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.
7. Consequences
Consequences are the natural or logical outcomes of a child’s choices and actions. Conscious Discipline focuses on teaching children to learn from their mistakes and make better choices in the future. Consequences are not punitive but rather serve as opportunities for growth and learning.
Implementing Conscious Discipline
Implementing Conscious Discipline requires a commitment to creating a safe and connected learning environment. Educators can incorporate Conscious Discipline principles into their daily routines and interactions with children. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Model composure by managing your own emotions and responding calmly to challenging situations.
- Use encouraging language and provide specific feedback to affirm children’s efforts and accomplishments.
- Set clear expectations and boundaries, and use assertive language when communicating with children.
- Offer choices within appropriate limits to empower children and promote decision-making skills.
- Teach empathy by encouraging children to recognize and understand the feelings of others.
- Assume positive intent and approach challenging behaviors with understanding and patience.
- Use consequences as learning opportunities, focusing on growth and problem-solving rather than punishment.
By implementing Conscious Discipline, educators can create a positive and nurturing learning environment that supports children’s social-emotional development and academic success.
Remember, Conscious Discipline is not a quick fix, but rather a long-term approach that requires consistency and dedication. With time and practice, the principles of Conscious Discipline can transform classrooms into safe and connected spaces where children thrive.
