Introduction to Non-Punitive Discipline by Kenny Toh

Introduction to Non-Punitive Discipline
How to Discipline Your Child without Frustration, Guilt or Tears

Most parents share the common aspirations of raising children of good character and helping them develop to their full potential. However, many are feeling frustrated because today’s children do not seem to behave the way children used to in the good old days. Many methods of child discipline that once worked in the past no longer seem to be as effective anymore. As a result, parents often feel lost, and even confused, especially when expert opinions are contradictory. To spank or not to spank? Is ‘Time-Out’ recommended or not? What about removal of privileges?

If you are facing common parenting challenges such as behavioural problems related to homework, computer time, responsibility, loss of interest or motivation, rebellion, and aggression, be reassured that you are not alone and that there are positive alternatives for disciplining children that can free you from frustration, guilt or tears. Attend this informative and insightful talk by the Founder of the Institute of Advanced Parentology and learn more about:

• The common misconceptions that hinder well-meaning parents from disciplining their children effectively


• How punishment work (and doesn’t work)


• How to gain a deeper understanding of your child’s behaviour


• The benefits of Non-Punitive Discipline


• THE SEVEN KEYS TO EFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE that help children develop self-discipline, responsibility and cooperation


• How YOU can make a difference by contributing to the advancement of the practice of parenting in Singapore

Date: 4th April 2009, Saturday
Venue: EPPS AVA Room, 4th Level
Elias Park Pri. Sch.
Time: 9am to 12pm
Fee: $10 (1 parent), $15 (2 parents)

To register, kindly send us an email at epps.psg@gmail.com
and provide us with your name/names if both parents are attending, your email address and contact number. Payment can be made at the door.
Please RSVP by 31st March 2009.
See you there!
About the speaker:

Kenny Toh, a professional coach and passionate father, is the founder of the Institute of Advanced Parentology, The Coaching Academy and the International Network for Parents as Coaches. His children are presently in Primary Three and Primary Five. The former has been the top student and model pupil in the first two years of primary education. The latter received the All-Rounder Pupil Award and is currently in the Gifted Education Programme.

As a thought leader in parent education, Kenny is committed to advancing the practice of parenting through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates the principles and practices from various disciplines including philosophy, psychology, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and personal development. He has been invited to speak at public seminars such as Joyful Parenting Seminar 2006 and Great Parenting Seminar 2007, and a wide range of educational institutions including Nanyang Technological University, National Junior College, secondary schools, primary schools and pre-schools.

His insights and writings on parenting-related topics have been featured frequently in publications such as Straits Time’s Mind Your Body, Readers’ Digest Asia, Young Parents, Today’s Parents, Family Magazine, Mother and Baby, and Young Families.

Inspiring story

DON'T WE ALL
I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to get out of work. Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would consider a bum. From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes, and no money.

There are times when you feel generous but there are other times that you just don't want to be bothered. This was one of those "don't want to be bothered times." "I hope he doesn't ask me for any money," I thought. He didn't. He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop but he didn't look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus. After a few minutes he spoke. "That's a very pretty car," he said. He was ragged but he had an air of dignity around him. His scraggly blond beard keep more than his face warm. I said, "thanks," and continued wiping off my car.


He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us widened something inside said, "ask him if he needs any help." I was sure that he would say "yes" but I held true to the inner voice. "Do you need any help?" I asked. He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget. We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments.


I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. He spoke the three words that shook me. "Don't we all?" he said.
I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum in the street, until those three words hit me like a twelve gauge shotgun. Don't we all? I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but I needed help. I reached in my wallet and gave him not only enough for bus fare, but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day. Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, you need help too. No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help.



Even if it's just a compliment, you can give that. You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all. They are waiting on you to give them what they don't have. A different perspective on life, a glimpse at something beautiful, a respite from daily chaos, that only you through a torn world can see. Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was more than that.


Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise, to minister to a soul too comfortable in themselves.
Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him like a bum, then said, "go minister to that man cleaning the car, that man needs help." Don't we all?

Author Unknown