The Absence of Spanking is Not Positive Discipline

Parents who rely upon Positive Discipline to guide their child’s behavior would use the criteria below to determine if a specific method of discipline supports the principles of Positive Parenting. Discipline that follows the Five Criteria for Positive Parenting seamlessly align with the principles of Positive Parenting by creating an environment that focuses on learning from misguided choices, rather than issuing punitive punishments for bad behavior.

Five Criteria for Positive Discipline

1) Is Kind and Firm at the same time. (Respectful and encouraging) 
2) Helps children feel a sense of Belonging and Significance. (Connection) 
3) Is Effective Long-Term. (Punishment works short term but has negative long-term results.) 
4) Teaches valuable Social and Life Skills for good character. (Respect, concern for others, problem-solving, accountability, contribution, cooperation) 
5) Invites children to discover how Capable they are and to use their personal power in constructive ways. 

Military drills, wall sits, holding heavy items:

1) are firm, but are not kind, empathetic, encouraging or respectful.
2) do not create a positive connection between the parent and child.
3) are proven by research to have negative long-term results
4) do not build character, instill respect, create opportunities for empathy or teach any skills which the child can apply to future practices and interactions.
5) do not build worth in the child.

Any method of correction that relies upon punitive measures, without or without inflicting pain, is punishment, and not discipline. Choosing another method of punishment instead of physical punishment is not positive and has no place in home in which parents wish to embrace the Positive Discipline lifestyle.