The New Dare to Discipline: Dr. James Dobson
The first edition of Dare to Discipline was published in 1970, and this new revision reveals two decades of reflection and experience of the author, Dr. James Dobson. It is the purpose of this paper to summarize the book, state the author's premise, and to conclude with a personal reaction to the book and how its concepts might or might not be of assistance in classroom teaching.
Dr. Dobson takes a common sense approach to child-rearing. He does not agree with the relaxed methods of the early 70's when parents were trying to treat their children as equals and ended up having households or classrooms that were much too permissive for the well-being of the children involved. Such environments, according to Dobson, create anxiety for both the children and the adults.
The first four chapters of the book provide an overview to his philosophy which tends to be rather conservative and oriented towards Christian thinking. He contends that one of the primary tasks of child-rearing is to foster respect for the parents (18). Children will not do what the parents ask or expect if there is no respect in the first place. Dr. Dobson says that the best opportunity for real communication between parents and children is after a disciplinary event (34). The child feels vulnerable and will be open to what the parent says. The child needs reassurance that he or she is loved, and the parent can do that along with standing firm on the behavior that is expected.
Control is an important aspect of discipline, and it does not come with nagging (36). Children are adept at tuning out adults who talk and do not carry through on the consequences. Although specific rewards may be a part of a program of discipline, Dr. Dobson does not advocate too much emphasis on materialism (43). Toys, goodies, and games are not a real substitute for parental love and affection. Children may be easily swayed by ...