Discipline is not punishment; discipline is teaching. The purpose of discipline is to help your child develop his internal voice to guide him to make wise choices in life. Discipline, by its very nature, is a positive thing.

The very first and most important step to effective discipline is to know your child. You need to be of one mind with your child so you know how his thought processes work. Parenting young children can feel like mind reading sometimes! You get to know your child well through attachment parenting.

Spanking is an ineffective and inferior method of punishment. Spanking may seem easier in the short term, but take the more difficult path! Be creative in how you shape your child's behavior. Your children want your approval more than anything else. When they know they have moved outside the circle of your approval, they want desperately to get back in. Let that guide you when you discipline your children. You don't want your children to be obedient out of fear of physical punishment. You want your children to be obedient because they love and trust you. It takes more effort, patience, and thought, but your children deserve no less.

The Center for Effective Discipline
American Academy of Pediatrics 1998 Policy Statement on Guidance for Effective Discipline
Parenting Articles About Positive Discipline
Dr. Sears on Discipline