Discipline for Children of Different Ethnic Groups

Question:

Please send me info on how to discipline children in Hispanic, African 
American and other ethnic groups what is usual practice and uniqueness to a specific culture.
Thanks 
Kokab A. Saeed, M.D.

Answer:

Dear Dr. Saeed,

I am a family physician and have been teaching parenting and training parent educators in the Puget Sound area (Washington State) for about 7 years. I am not sure at all how familiar you are with Positive Discipline or the theory behind it (or how effective it is!) The simple answer to your question is that Positive Discipline works for parents of any religious or ethnic group and in any language. What parents of any size shape or color want is discipline that is effective long term, and discipline where they are able to maintain a sense of dignity and respect. Positive Discipline fits the bill. Having said that, it is important to recognize a few things that are quite “different” about PD, and how parents adapt.