Tips and thoughts on the topic of child discipline are being presented by the Family Centre, which is calling on families of all kinds to take part.

“It’s aimed at every family — you don’t need to have a problem or feel afraid to express issues that you have,” explained clinical psychologist Sandy De Silva. “We often find the best of the group is the discussions, when parents just share their ideas.”

Many of the parents seen by the charity are requesting suggestions, assistance or just to get feedback from others on how to work with their children’s behaviour.

The three family group workshops are free, and will be held on Monday nights, from 6pm to 7.30pm, starting January 27 at the charity’s offices on Point Finger Road.

“Discipline is a different thing from punishment,” Dr De Silva said.

“Discipline is the way we deal with children’s actions — and also the way that we correct them, and teach them how to do things differently. So often we give punishment because we want them to feel bad about what they did. This is a matter of identifying the behaviour, finding out why it’s wrong and then developing alternatives.”

As parents pool their experiences with raising their children, “evidence-based discipline strategies” emerge, Dr De Silva added.

Participants also discuss “cultural norms”, she said — evaluating “what has worked for parents, and what hasn’t”.

“We also look at ages and stages, in terms of children and discipline,” said Dr De Silva. “For example, the ‘time out’ trick probably won’t work on an eight-year-old.”

Questions, concerns and brainstorming sessions will come with food — and a chance for children to take part in learning activities as well.

The first round of workshops are for families with children aged four to ten, with parent-teen courses to follow.

To register, call 232-1116,