Discipline

January 20, 2003
Part of a series dealing with common parenting challenges, this newest by Brazelton, with coauthor Sparrow, zeroes in on the topic of discipline, focusing on infancy through age six. Brazelton walks parents through with a gentle tone, modeling for readers that compassion is needed even when dealing with children who need to be disciplined. The authors point out that discipline involves teaching (not punishment), providing boundaries that all kids require. Children who can count on boundaries and rules, Brazelton says, feel safe and loved. Kids learn the rules through repetition, consistency and clear messages, the authors say, and though it may be frustrating for parents to repeat the same lessons or instructions, this is how children learn. Part of the process involves "testing" parents to see if they are serious, so clarity and consistency will help, as will sharing the responsibilities for discipline with a spouse. A useful section describes specific strategies, outlining the pros and cons of such tactics as time outs, taking toys away or docking allowances for older children. The volume helps parents comprehend the importance of discipline and the best ways to achieve it, with the goal eventually being a sense of self-discipline as the child grows. Compact and user-friendly, this is an essential addition to a busy parent's Brazelton library. (Feb.)Forecast:Brazelton's name sells, and these small-format
guides (Calming Your Fussy Baby and
Sleep will be published the same month) are priced for impulse buys.

February 15, 2003
This title is among the first three installments of a new series that will surely become a favorite with both new and experienced parents, come in a handy five-by-seven-inch size, perfect to keep on hand in the nursery or in a nightstand. Brazelton is our modern-day Dr. Spock, and his tips for helping parents deal with everyday concerns and special circumstances have become mainstream in current parenting methodology. In tackling discipline, Brazelton delivers his tried-and-true techniques in a unique but understandable way, making this easy-to-read series one of the more approachable, if slightly oversimplified, ones published today. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)