What Becomes of Discipline?

With the discovery of non-power methods of relating to children, power-based discipline is a concept that has outlived its usefulness-it has become dysfunctional in a democratic society. Moreover, it's time we discard the concept in all human relationships in which they live together, work together, or worship together in harmony.

As a society, we must begin to replace authoritarian relationships with egalitarian ones, obedience with reciprocity, coercion with influence. What better place to start than in the family, where children acquire their first lessons in life. With parents modeling open and honest communication, respect for the rights of others, and democratic problem-solving, their children will grow up understanding the true meaning of The Golden Rule.*

* Writings from Dr. Thomas Gordon