Positive Discipline.
A respectful, relationship-based approach that helps children develop self-control, responsibility, and problem-solving skills. The same principles we use at school — adaptable for home.
What Positive Discipline is
Based on Adlerian principles, Positive Discipline is a program developed by Dr. Jane Nelsen, drawing from the work of Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs. It's designed to teach young people to become responsible, respectful, and resourceful members of their communities.
By involving children in solutions, encouraging accountability, and viewing mistakes as opportunities to learn, Positive Discipline builds long-term life skills rather than short-term compliance. This approach supports emotional regulation, mutual respect, and intrinsic motivation — helping learners grow into capable, confident, and compassionate individuals.
What it is not
Positive Discipline is not permissive or hands-off parenting. It does not mean letting children do whatever they want. It does not rely on punishment, rewards, or fear to control behavior — and it does not ignore boundaries or accountability. Instead of quick fixes, it focuses on long-term skill building, clear limits, and respectful guidance.
What it looks like at our school
At Acton Academy Falls Church, adults intentionally model the behavior we hope to see — using Positive Discipline to guide learners with kindness, clarity, and consistency. We coach rather than command, set clear expectations, and treat mistakes as opportunities to learn. That creates a culture of trust and mutual respect.
Over time, learners begin using these same tools with one another — listening, problem-solving, and resolving conflict respectfully — building a strong, supportive community grounded in responsibility and empathy.
Parent Workshop · 6 Saturdays · $198/person, $320/couple
"Parenting the positive discipline way" is a six-week introductory course. Open also to families outside our school community. Six Saturdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Based on the best-selling Positive Discipline parenting books by Dr. Jane Nelsen, the program teaches important social and life skills in a manner that's deeply respectful and encouraging for both children and adults. Being "kind and firm at the same time" is effective long-term — and helps children feel connection, belonging, and significance.
Required book: Positive Discipline: The Classic Guide by Jane Nelsen. Get it on Amazon.
Email to register →Upcoming workshops
We run two cohorts per year — one in the spring and one in the fall. Each cohort is six consecutive Saturdays.
Six Saturdays · 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Dates announced soon
Six Saturdays · 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Dates announced soon
Want to be notified when registration opens? Email us.
"The Positive Discipline workshop has had a profound effect on the way my husband and I interact with our child. As a manager at my job, it has also had a profound impact on the way I interact with my employees. By nature I am a problem-solver, but this course made me realize the best gift I can give my child — and by extension, my employees — is the chance to solve his own problems."
— Parent workshop attendee