A Positive Adventure?

Waves lick gently against the side of the boat, caressing it into a steady rock. The sun stretches for the horizon with a calming grace, pulling itself closer to the edge, as if playing a game of hide-and-seek. I am curled into my father with my brother to my left and my mother across from us all. Here begins our first family meeting, an adventure I wasn't sure I was looking forward to getting into. You see, my mom became a part of this new group called Positive Discipline. In a nutshell, it’s a new program designed to create a special bond between adult and child that emphasizes mutual respect and understanding. And now, as her family, we’re part of the guinea pigs for the community of Brookfield.

The sun continued its descent of hiding behind the mountains while my brother and I stretched lazily across the boat. We exchanged a knowing look, both unsure of what to expect. However, our original dread wasn’t very telling.

As my mom wove the story concerning the foundation of Positive Discipline, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have my eyes closed behind my sunglasses. Looking back now though, I’m pretty disappointed I didn’t pay closer attention. Positive Discipline isn’t something that just started: during the 1920s, co-founders Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs developed the reasonable idea to treat children respectfully and focused on parental classes and programs to help promote this. Around the 1980s, the “modernized” co-founders Lynn Lott and Jane Nelsen further expanded this concept to incorporate experiential lessons for both parents and teachers. In the years since, Positive Discipline has become a renowned program nationwide and has finally reached the Brookfield area.

Fortunately for me, my mom decided to try some of these experiential lessons on us. Although I was originally not interested, it turns out some of the modules were actually quite entertaining. My favorite involved a UPS guy that delivers four presents and you get to give one of them away, but the other three you must deal with. Rather than give you a spoiler, I’ll just add that it helps give you a greater sense of your personality. I’ve even used this “game” on most of my friends, and luckily, they enjoyed it too. Positive Discipline isn’t something that’s limited to certain ages. I’m still learning (even if I do think I know everything) and I can still act like a stubborn four year-old. My friends and I may get into petty disagreements and some of the lessons that Positive Discipline teaches you can even help us.

As a seventeen year old, I’m neither the parent nor teacher, and as conventional stereotypes like to suggest, I don’t consider myself a child either. But to be blunt, Positive Discipline is pretty awesome. I’d much rather be able to talk to my parents about stupid little things I’ve done wrong rather than us having a screaming match. I do have to admit, though, that making my own sandwiches for lunch now is not something I’m too happy about doing.

The last of the sunrays reached their final dive with hues of pinks and oranges scrambling across each other. Our first family meeting has come to a close as we agree on when we’re all available for the next one. And if I’m to be completely honest with you right now, I’m actually secretly looking forward to the next one.

But wait, there’s more! If you’re looking forward to a family meeting, too, check out the Positive Discipline website: positivedisciplinewesternct.org!