An indispensable guide for parents looking for a more gentle and effective way to shape their child's behaviour, from parenting expert Sarah Ockwell-Smith

Do you want to raise a well-behaved, happy child but feel that common forms of discipline used today, which focus on rewarding, excluding or punishing children, don't work for your family?

In The Gentle Discipline Book, Sarah Ockwell-Smith debunks many commonly held beliefs about punishment and motivation, and provides an alternative approach that will empower you to discipline your child in an effective way and with respect. Gentle discipline is not about mollycoddling your child or being a pushover - it means understanding your child, having realistic expectations of them, and responding to their misbehaviour appropriately. It focuses on teaching and learning, not punishment or rewarding.

In her trademark practical style, Sarah offers solutions for coping with the most common discipline challenges, including:

-whining and sulking
-aggressive and destructive behaviour
-not listening and refusal to do things
-rudeness and backchat
-sibling rivalry
-lying
-swearing
-low self-esteem and a lack of self-confidence

The advice is appropriate to a wide range of ages, from toddler to teenager, and, if you have been using more traditional form of discipline, it will give you the tools - and the confidence - to change to a more mindful approach. You'll also find real-life case studies that demonstrate the challenges parents face and how the principles of gentle discipline can be applied to them.

Do you want to raise a well-behaved, happy child but feel that common forms of discipline used today, which focus on rewarding, excluding or punishing children, don't work for your family?

In The Gentle Discipline Book, Sarah Ockwell-Smith debunks many commonly held beliefs about punishment and motivation, and provides an alternative approach that will empower you to discipline your child in an effective way and with respect. Gentle discipline is not about mollycoddling your child or being a pushover - it means understanding your child, having realistic expectations of them, and responding to their misbehaviour appropriately. It focuses on teaching and learning, not punishment or rewarding.

In her trademark practical style, Sarah offers solutions for coping with the most common discipline challenges, including:

- whining and sulking
- aggressive and destructive behaviour
- not listening and refusal to do things
- rudeness and backchat
- sibling rivalry
- lying
- swearing
- low self-esteem and a lack of self-confidence

The advice is appropriate to a wide range of ages, from toddler to teenager, and, if you have been using more traditional form of discipline, it will give you the tools - and the confidence - to change to a more mindful approach.