A huge challenge is going to be to change the disciplinary parenting style that is so deeply rooted in our culture. This is particularly challenging due to the multi-generational nature of parenting. Parents often raise their children the way they were raised. In our society, when we want to correct negative behavior, most of us immediately think of discipline, punishment, and consequence. We need to begin to steer people away from the idea that negative sanctions will promote positive behavior, and this will come from, as Ms. Woloszyn mentioned, education and support for parents.
However, just because these supports are present, does not mean that parents are going to use them. How can we create incentives so that parents will get involved in parent education programs, particularly for the parents who think the disciplinary approach is the most effective approach, and do not think they need to be educated?