The Gentle Discipline Book

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What to expect

Do you want to raise a well-behaved, happy child but feel that common forms of discipline used today, which focus on rewarding, excluding or punishing children, don't work for your family?

In The Gentle Discipline Book, Sarah Ockwell-Smith debunks many commonly held beliefs about punishment and motivation, and provides an alternative approach that will empower you to discipline your child in an effective way and with respect. Gentle discipline is not about mollycoddling your child or being a pushover - it means understanding your child, having realistic expectations of them, and responding to their misbehaviour appropriately. It focuses on teaching and learning, not punishment or rewarding.

In her trademark practical style, Sarah offers solutions for coping with the most common discipline challenges, including:

- whining and sulking
- aggressive and destructive behaviour
- not listening and refusal to do things
- rudeness and backchat
- sibling rivalry
- lying
- swearing
- low self-esteem and a lack of self-confidence

The advice is appropriate to a wide range of ages, from toddler to teenager, and, if you have been using more traditional form of discipline, it will give you the tools - and the confidence - to change to a more mindful approach.

Critics Review

  • Sarah’s advice has given me the confidence to know there are alternative, gentler methods to things like the naughty step, and I’ll be using this book as my bible for the next 16 years! And recommending it to all my friends

    Charlie O'Brien, presenter, blogger, vlogger and mum to Noah

  • What I value most about Sarah Ockwell-Smith’s latest book is that it honours the struggles of both children and parents. She helps us see how understanding both sets of needs yields resolution and connection, which are not words we usually associate with discipline! Readers are treated not only to fascinating new discoveries about how children’s brains and behaviour relate but also to the “ah-ha” moments that parents most wish for during times of conflict with their children

    Dr Suzanne Zeedyk, Developmental psychology, Honorary Fellow, University of Dundee

  • A comprehensive, pragmatic and common-sense approach to redefining what it means to discipline our children

    Tracy Gillett, writer, mother and founder of Raised Good

  • Any parent who wants to guide their children with more respect rather than govern them with fear will benefit from reading The Gentle Discipline Book. If you want reduce power struggles and punishments and replace them with more connection and understanding, this is a great read

    Jessica Joelle Alexander, co-author of The Danish Way of Parenting

  • The Gentle Discipline Book is a thorough guide to raising confident, capable children. Sarah Ockwell-Smith delivers valuable information and balances it nicely with practical and clear advice for implementing gentle discipline. This is a book that will remain by your bedside for reference for years to come

    Rebecca Eanes, author of Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide

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