What is Conscious Discipline?

Conscious Discipline is a comprehensive, evidence-based socio-emotional learning program created to educate people—particularly children—self-regulation, emotional intelligence, and social skills. It supports people in thriving and realizing their full potential through fostering social and emotional growth, good behavior management, safe and inclusive environments, a brain-based approach, and a holistic approach.

Based on brain research, Conscious Discipline incorporates ideas from attachment theory, social-emotional learning, psychology, and neuroscience. Its objectives include establishing positive interpersonal interactions, developing secure and welcoming environments, and assisting people in improving their capacity for self-control, emotional resilience, self-awareness, empathy, and problem-solving.

5 Key Components of Conscious Discipline

1. Self-Regulation: Conscious Discipline emphasizes the importance of self-regulation, which involves managing one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a constructive and adaptive manner. It teaches individuals how to identify and regulate their emotions, manage stress and frustration, and make thoughtful choices.
   
2. Connection: Conscious Discipline focuses on building healthy relationships and connections between individuals. It emphasizes the importance of empathy, active listening, and understanding others' perspectives to promote positive interactions and resolve conflicts.
   
3. Safety: Conscious Discipline creates a safe and inclusive environment where individuals feel emotionally and physically safe. It promotes a culture of respect, kindness, and compassion, and provides strategies for addressing challenging behaviors in a supportive and non-punitive manner.
   
4. Problem-Solving: Conscious Discipline teaches individuals how to solve problems in a constructive and collaborative manner. It encourages individuals to identify their needs and communicate them assertively, while also respecting the needs of others.
5. Teaching and Learning: Conscious Discipline provides educators and caregivers with tools and strategies to teach social-emotional skills explicitly. It emphasizes the importance of modeling and reinforcing positive behaviors, and provides practical strategies for integrating social-emotional learning into everyday activities and routines.

Conscious Discipline Strategies

Conscious Discipline uses a range of techniques to foster social and emotional growth, manage positive behavior, and foster inclusive and safe environments. The following are some typical techniques in Conscious Discipline:

1. Safe Place: Creating a designated physical space where individuals can go to self-regulate and calm down when feeling overwhelmed or upset. This space is stocked with comfort items, such as soft toys or sensory tools, to help individuals manage their emotions and regain self-control.
   
2. Breathing Techniques: Teaching and practicing various breathing techniques, such as belly breathing or balloon breathing, to help individuals regulate their emotions and calm their nervous system.
3. Conscious Breathing: Practicing conscious breathing as a daily routine to promote self-awareness and self-regulation. This involves taking intentional deep breaths and focusing on the sensations of breathing to bring awareness to the present moment.
   
4. "I Love You" Ritual: A conflict resolution strategy that involves using gestures and affirming statements, such as "I love you," "I'm here for you," and "We can figure this out," to de-escalate conflicts and build positive connections.
   
5. "Wish Well, Do Well": Encouraging individuals to send positive thoughts or wishes to others, even when they are upset or frustrated, to promote empathy and kindness.
   
6. "Stop, Name Your Feeling, Choose Your Action": Encouraging individuals to pause when they experience strong emotions, identify their feelings, and choose a constructive action to respond rather than react impulsively.
   
7. Using "I" Statements: Encouraging individuals to use "I" statements when expressing their needs, feelings, and concerns to promote assertive communication and healthy conflict resolution.
   
8. Teaching Problem-Solving Skills: Providing explicit instruction on problem-solving skills, such as identifying the problem, generating possible solutions, evaluating the pros and cons, and making a thoughtful choice.
   
9. Using Visual Cues: Utilizing visual cues, such as social stories, visual schedules, or emotion charts, to help individuals understand and manage their emotions, behaviors, and expectations.
   
10. Modeling and Reinforcing Positive Behaviors: Using positive reinforcement, such as praise, rewards, and acknowledgment, to reinforce and encourage positive behaviors, such as self-regulation, empathy, and responsible decision-making.

In conclusion, Conscious Discipline enhances interpersonal development and fosters situations that are welcoming, inclusive, and supportive. It is frequently utilized in schools, early childhood programs, and other community settings. It is important to remember that the employment of Conscious Discipline techniques should be proactive and preventive, with an emphasis on teaching and modeling positive habits rather than imposing sanctions or consequences. These approaches can be modified to fit the needs of individuals in a variety of contexts, including homes, schools, and community settings.

Becoming Conscious.