066: Crime & Punishment Is Not Parenting

Picture of hosted by Penny Williams

hosted by Penny Williams

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Parents are expected to be authoritarian and parent through a system of crime and punishment. We're raised to believe this is what defines a “good parent.” I argue that we need to flip this idea on its head — that crime and punishment parenting is actually making you a “bad parent.” It does more harm than good for our kids, especially kids with ADHD and/or autism. There is a much, much better way to raise kids that will become happy, successful adults. Listen in and I'll explain why crime and punishment is bad and how to serve our children much better.

Resources

Some of the resources may be affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission (at no cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.

Raising Human Beings, by Ross Greene, Ph.D.

The Explosive Child, by Ross Greene, Ph.D.

CPS model

Studies on happiness: https://psychcentral.com/blog/5-reliable-findings-from-happiness-research/, https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/20/this-harvard-study-reveals-how-you-can-be-happier-and-more-successful.html, https://www.berkeleywellness.com/healthy-mind/mind-body/article/what-science-happiness

Fear-based parenting and control through power: https://www.jstor.org/stable/1126389, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/peaceful-parents-happy-kids/201404/how-change-your-childs-behavior-without-punishment (see cited sources in this article for studies and publications on the effects of fear-based parenting)

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Hello!
I'm Penny Williams.

Host of Beautifully Complex. I help stuck and struggling parents (educators, too) make the pivots necessary to unlock success and joy for neurodivergent kids and teens, themselves, and their families. I'm honored to be part of your journey!

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About the show...

I'm your host, Penny.

Join me as I help parents, caregivers, and educators like you harness the realization that we are all beautifully complex and marvelously imperfect. Each week I deliver insights and actionable strategies on parenting neurodivergent kids — those with ADHD, autism, anxiety, learning disabilities…

My approach to decoding behavior while honoring neurodiversity and parenting the individual child you have will provide you with the tools to help you understand and transform behavior, reduce your own stress, increase parenting confidence, and create the joyful family life you crave. I am honored to have helped thousands of families worldwide to help their kids feel good so they can do good.

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2 Comments
  • Genevieve Corwin
    September 16, 2019 at 9:43 pm Reply

    In regard to your “Crime & Punishment Parenting” episode, I listened twice and took notes. I may have missed something, but I only caught 6 items of good parenting: Empathy, Connectedness, Kindness, Compassion, Doing for others and Independence. What was the 7th?

    • Penny Williams
      September 17, 2019 at 8:19 am Reply

      Oh no! I just tossed my notes from recording this episode a couple days ago. I think I miscounted or misspoke and there were only 6. Looks like you've listed everything. We could add validating your child's thoughts and feelings — that can be lumped in with empathy.

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