Effective discipline method

As a children's therapist, I would like to comment on Jackson's discipline method of using "the box." I have been talking to teachers in area schools for several years about having children walk or run (child's choice) a track during recess instead of sitting against a wall. Children need to get some fresh air, to have a change of scenery and to burn off energy. I am pleased to find Jackson is using "the box" in this manner.

As far as hurting the child's self-esteem, most discipline, even being told, "Johnny, stop talking," could create embarrassment in a child. Often the correction of a child takes place in the presence of other children, so peer pressure becomes part of the incentive for Johnny to behave. It is impossible to keep children from having any embarrassing incidents. Children must learn to cope with embarrassment, a common feeling for everyone, even adults. I'm not saying to pick out a child and embarrass him or her to teach this lesson. I am saying that living sometimes causes embarrassing moments. We all must learn coping skills to deal with our negative feelings.

I was a teacher before I got my master's degree in counseling. I know what teachers go through. My hat goes off to all schools who are willing to change the way things have previously been done in order to make it work better for the children. In my opinion, Jackson is doing that.

THERESA LUMOS, Cape Girardeau