Turning Tears into Laughter: Creative Discipline Book

Turning Tears into Laughter: Creative Discipline during the Toddler and Preschool Years is my first book published by Five Mile Press (RRP $12.95 for 160 pages). Available from this site, please Contact Lou 

“Turning Tears into Laughter will lighten the load and enlighten the mind. I believe it would be impossible not to be inspired by Lou Harvey-Zahra’s good hearted, infectious enthusiasm.” John Allison (teacher, consultant, author).

Turning Tears into Laughter: Creative Discipline during the Toddler to Preschool Years is a unique book. It is based on the ‘least restrictive first’ model of dealing with young children’s behaviours. This method, renamed ‘Creative Discipline’, can transform challenging moments into positive outcomes; appropriate behaviours can be achieved whilst the parent and child bond remains connected. Turning Tears into Laughter provides tools and tips to help parents navigate the deep waters of early childhood with confidence – and the sense that they are not alone! Real life parent stories, tips, reflections and  beautiful photos give this book an inspiring, practical and personal feel.

Creative Discipline techniques result in the following: simple solutions to inappropriate behaviours; a learning environment that is fun and nurturing for the young child; support for the child’s self esteem; a greater understanding of the child’s needs, since the system goes to the root of the behaviour; a reduction in tantrum, tears and hurt feelings; the child learning positive skills for life; prevention of behaviours escalating; a safe and predictable environment for young children; happy families where each person feels included and valued; a more relaxed parent and child relationship, which can lead to a connected adult relationship with your grown-up child.

Section one outlines how parents can: lay the foundation for creative discipline through daily rhythms, play, and healthy food choices; and to ask the question ‘Why?’ to gain an understanding of your child’s motives and needs during trying moments.

Creative Discipline tools are outlined through out section two: redirect the child into an appropriate play choice or situation; change the environment around the child to successfully change the challenging behaviour; use creative speech for the word, ‘no’, to create a win-win situation, with the outcome still within the parent’s hands; create giggles and games during everday challenging moments (life does not have to be so serious); provide a choice between two options, to maintain boundaries while lessening tears and tantrums; be a positive role model for your children to follow; learn to praise your child as positive reinforcement to achieve appropriate behaviours; and the ‘quiet removal’ if all else fails.

The final section covers common toddler tantrum scenarios, from bath time to bed time, meal time to leaving a park, sharing to sibling rivalry. It also outlines how to start a creative discipline diary at home. This book holds the power to turn ‘tears into laughter’ and to successfully change family life.

“Turning Tears into Laughter is full of inspiring and practical ideas. It will be one parents find themselves taking off the shelf over and over again.”

Mandy Abbott (Mother of two, Kindergarten Teacher and Playgroup Leader)

Turning Tears into Laughter is available (or can be ordered) from all good bookstores or from this site – enjoy! For book orders Contact Lou

Ask your local library to stock Turning Tears into Laughter: Creative Discipline for the Toddler and Preschool Years (Five Mile Press)