Cavett Roberts, the founding president of the National Speakers Association once asked, "Whatever happened to the old wooden bucket?" It was the hallmark of an era. Songs were written about it. But the romance of the oaken bucket was short lived. It had no permanent franchise on existence. The galvanized tin bucket replaced it. Although the tin … [Read more...]
Separating the Act from the Actor
December 29, 2009 By Leave a Comment
QUESTION: I have really enjoyed your book, "Discipline Without Stress, Punishment or Rewards," and I have partially implemented it. However, I have a question. I had so many students who lied this year. What do you do in situations where the child refuses to admit what he did? RESPONSE: They lied to protect/defend themselves. A foundational … [Read more...]
Santa Claus and Being Authentic
December 25, 2009 By Leave a Comment
There is an increasing tendency for misguided parents to be “authentic” by informing their children that Santa Claus does not exist. Make believe and pretending are integral parts of childhood. Reflect: Has the tooth fairy, the elves on St. Patrick’s day, or Santa Claus ever hurt anyone? Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. … [Read more...]
15-Year-Old Stealing Sister’s Clothes
December 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment
QUESTION: This is an embarrassing situation for me. I have a strange problem with my son that I have never heard about before. He is fifteen years old and has been stealing my clothes or his sister's clothing and cutting them up into little pieces with scissors or cutting our underwear into a thong. We have had him seeing a psychiatric therapist for … [Read more...]
Inducing Desired Behavior by Noncoercion
December 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment
When I gave a keynote in Montana I referred to one of its native sons, Buck Brannaman. He was the horse trainer who advised and worked with Robert Redford on the film, "The Horse Whisperer." Brannaman trained Redford and first doubled for him in the critical scene when the horse was gently taken to the ground so that the teenager could (if she … [Read more...]
Comparing Yourself with Others
December 22, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Do you compare crayons? Comparing is such a natural activity that we become a victim of its effects. Every time you compare yourself with another and think lesser of yourself, you fall into the abyss of a useless activity. Your feelings fall with you, and you have gained nothing. On the other hand, the opposite occurs when you feel better because you think … [Read more...]
Renewing
December 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Living is an art, and we have a responsibility to enjoy it. Living is an art, and we have a responsibility to enjoy it. An artist cannot be continually wielding the paintbrush. The painter must stop at times to freshen the vision of the object, the meaning of which the artist wishes to express on the canvas. Living is also an art. We dare not become … [Read more...]
Behavior and Harry Potter
December 18, 2009 By Leave a Comment
QUESTION: I am starting to present the social development hierarchy to my students. I have used "behavior plans" in the past, but they have only promoted "sneaky" behaviors. I hope to instill "proper" behavior by the students. They are reluctant thus far. Are there any pointers to help the reluctant student? QUESTION I teach Special Ed in an … [Read more...]
Change and Feelings
December 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment
QUESTION: Why is change so difficult? RESPONSE: Change is not difficult; it just feels difficult because it is different from what we are accustomed to doing. QUESTION: Why is change so difficult? RESPONSE Change is not difficult; it just feels difficult because it is different from what we are accustomed to doing. Here's proof. Fold your … [Read more...]
Temper and Pride
December 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Temper is what gets us into trouble. Temper is what gets us into trouble. Pride is what keeps us there. Pride is what keeps us there. … [Read more...]
