Positive Approaches to Challenging Behaviors of School-aged Children

In this course we will explore the different ways schools and parents manage challenging behaviors of children. In particular we will contrast current western views, as reflected in psychological and educational research, with Native American child-rearing practices, particularly those of the Lakota, which focus on the basic needs of belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. We will explore topics such as the differences between discipline and punishment, the communicative functions of behavior, building healthy adult/child relationships, and de-escalating a behavioral crisis. This course will be of interest to students pursuing education, psychology, or those who are, or plan to be, parents. (This course satisfies the Psychology general elective credit.)