Oxfordian Life
What Is the Basis for Respectful Parenting?
During the November session of Escuela para Padres, María Espinosa took up a subject fundamental to parents: “Kindness and firmness, the basis for respectful parenting”.
The talk on 4 November turned on Positive Discipline, which has become one of the premises of Oxford’s educational methodology because it produces positive behaviour over the long term by encouraging the child to reason.
To that end the psychologist, certified as a trainer by the PDA (Positive Discipline Association), explained the purpose and the tools of this programme.
Even at a distance it was possible to engage those watching, carrying out a self-examination of the style and purpose of the education we are giving our children. Parents agreed that it matters to raise individuals who are respectful, responsible, balanced, self-assured, self-sufficient and happy.
There was also an opportunity to comment and put questions to the expert, who answered clearly and directly with everyday examples.
She also explained that Positive Discipline promotes an upbringing that is kind but firm, without punishment but making the child understand the consequences of their actions. It sits between authoritarianism and permissiveness, giving rise to the democratic style. One of the main benefits of this approach is that it forms sociable people with skills for life.
Because of the proven advantages of Positive Discipline, Oxford has promoted the training of its teachers in the discipline, and thanks to this we hold PDA certification. If you have any doubts or need advice on the subject, you can contact the psychology department at the relevant campus.
The psychologist María Espinosa specialises in the neuropsychological assessment and treatment of children and young people with special educational needs and other learning difficulties at her psychological care centre, SIPA (Soluciones Integrales en Psicología y Aprendizaje).
Escuela para Padres is an Oxford programme offering monthly sessions on subjects that provide tools to support children’s all-round development. It is open to the public and completely free.
