No-Drama Discipline

When we think of the word "discipline", orders, reprimands, and arguments immediately come to mind. This is because, over time, discipline has become increasingly associated with power struggles between those who must teach and those who must receive. One only has to think of the arguments between a parent and child over homework or table manners, or between a teacher and a student.

Discipline reflects a duty, a set of rules that must be followed. It seems we have forgotten that the etymology of the word "discipline" comes from the Latin discipulus, meaning disciple or student—one who learns. The primary goal of discipline, therefore, is not to command, but to teach; this is exactly what the authors of No-Drama Discipline wish to remind us. According to the authors, we need to reframe the concept of discipline, viewing it as a decisive moment for learning how to act in the immediate term and for honing qualities that will serve us in the future.

Numerous studies have confirmed the plasticity of a child's brain. This means children are sensitive and respond either positively or negatively to the impulses they receive. This is the basis of the authors' reasoning: a child will respond negatively to a negative impulse and positively to a positive one.

This is easier said than done. Raising a child is an incredibly difficult task; no two parents are the same, no two children are the same, and, above all, no two situations are identical. However, something can be done, and we can start by analysing the very concept of discipline: the essence of education lies in teaching.