Parents struggling with behavior issues in their children can learn a new approach when the Community Center and Boothbay Region Health Center team present “Positive Discipline.”

The free workshop will begin on Saturday, Oct. 6 and continue every other Saturday for four sessions from 10 a.m. to noon at the Community Center in Boothbay Harbor. They will be led by Liz Lussier. As a behavior specialist and certified behavior analyst, Lussier has seen the benefits of positive discipline, including benefits for those with disabilities like autism. She said Florida requires a behavior plan for each person who is prescribed behavior-altering medications.

“Experts are now thinking that behavior planning should be the first step before prescribing drugs, because drugs can change the developing brain.” Positive discipline, on the other hand, “Is the least invasive method of dealing with behavior problems.” Punishment can have long-term negative consequences for children, she added.

The workshop is geared to any parent. “No child is an angel all the time,” Lussier acknowledged. She said the classes will give parents “the tools to teach the child what you want them to learn.” The five R’s of positive discipline can be applied to children of any age. They are: Reinforce, respect, routines, rotate attention and redirect. Each focuses on a positive approach – praising them for good behavior and offering a “positive opposite” for unwanted behavior.

Parents are reminded to model respectful behavior for their child and to follow through after establishing routines like chores. Smiles and hugs are always encouraged.

Certified Red Cross sitters will provide free on-site babysitting during the workshops. Children will be offered fun activities and snacks.

To register for the workshops, call the Community Center at 633-9876 or Boothbay Region Health Center at 633-1075. For more on  the program, call Lussier at 633-1162.