Dobson, James
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Dr. James Dobson is the founder and chairman of the board of Focus on the Family, a nonprofit evangelical organization dedicated to the preservation of the home. He hosts an internationally syndicated radio program heard daily all over the world, broadcast in 15 languages. He has authored numerous best-selling books, including Dare to Discipline. Dr. Dobson is a licensed psychologist and holds a Ph.D. in child development earned in 1967 from USC. According to his personality profile from the KNX Newradio website, Dr. Dobson was an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the USC School of Medicine for 24 years and also served for 17 years on the attending staff of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. In addition to his Ph.D., he also holds several honorary doctorate degrees from such schools as Biola University and Pepperdine University. Dr. Dobson has received many honors, including the Humanitarian Award from the California State Psychological Association and the “Philip Award�? from the United Methodist Church. He has served on various task forces for Presidents Carter, Reagan, and Bush in regards to governmental activities related to the family. Dr. Dobson has been married to his wife Shirley for over 40 years and has two grown children.
References: KNX Newsradio
A summary of Dr. Dobson's views on corporal punishment is found on Wikipedia. With this information as a background, I searched several of his books in regard to his theory on classroom management and discipline.
References: [Wikipedia Site]
“Discipline�?, according to Dr. Dobson, is not limited to the context of confrontation; it is also teaching children self-discipline and responsible behavior. Disciplinary action must take place within the framework of love and affection. Children need and desire to know where the boundaries lie; parental understanding of the child is important but the parent needs to know how to set limits. In doing so, Dr. Dobson believes you can raise healthy, respectful, happy children. The parent needs to assist the child in learning how to handle challenges and obligations of living; they “must learn the art of self-control�?. This will help them to be equipped with “the personal strength needed to meet the demands imposed on them by their school, peer group, and later adult responsibilities�?. Dr. Dobson does not agree with those who choose “the path of least resistance�?. His extensive research has proven that “children thrive best in an atmosphere of genuine love, undergirded by reasonable, consistent discipline�?. The discipline he suggests is made possible by the mutual respect between a parent and a child with God being a part of the child’s upbringing. If parents do their job, the end result for those in the teaching profession would be that it would “permit the teachers to do the kind of job for which they are commissioned�?. A child is then raised to be a respectful, responsible, constructive citizen.
In reference to those who disagree with his stance on corporal punishment and have misunderstood it, he is adamant in his quest to dispel the doubts. He does believe in the judicious use of corporal punishment under specific circumstances and limits, but does not “believe in parental harshness�?. Dr. Dobson recommends a simple principle: “when you are defiantly challenged, win decisively�?. Corporal punishment should be used as an infrequent occurrence; many times, it would be more appropriate for a “time-out�? or deprived of a privilege. A parent’s goal is to react continually in the way that benefits the child, staying “one step ahead of the child�?. The home should be an environment of safety, acceptance, and warmth. Desirable qualities cannot be hoped for, but must be taught; thus, he says, the point is obvious: “heredity does not equip a child with proper attitudes; children learn what they are taught�?. How does his theory relate to classroom management? Part of his philosophy is the same as those who believe in a preventive type of behavior management. On page 75, he states: “The best way to get children to do what you want is to spend time with them before disciplinary problems occur…with those moments of love and closeness…kids are not as tempted to challenge and test the limits. Many confrontations can be avoided by building friendships with kids and thereby making them want to cooperate at home.�? Thus, building a positive relationship with your students is important. At home, Dr. Dobson suggests implementing a reward system, similar to those suggested in management systems such as Assertive Discipline. He also believes strongly in the use of praise to reinforce positive, constructive behavior. He advocates a three step approach for older children: 1) “Decide what is important to the youngster for use as an incentive�?; 2) “Formalize the agreement�?; and 3) “Establish a method to provide immediate rewards�?.
Dr. Dobson believes that schools must have “enough structure and discipline to require certain behavior from their students�?. This has a two-fold purpose; one is for academic reasons, and the second has to do with another purpose of education, preparing the young for later life – to survive as an adult. Schools should help the child prepare for adulthood by learning self-discipline and control that will help him cope with the demands of modern living. As teachers, Dr. Dobson states that one of the greatest gifts a loving teacher can contribute to an immature child is “to help him learn to sit when he feels like running, to raise his hand when he feels like talking, to be polite to his neighbor, to stand in line without smacking the kid in front, and to do language arts when he feels like doing football�?.
Chapter seven contains Dr. Dobson’s specific views in regard to “Discipline in Learning�?. He once again discusses an incentive system as a means to disciplining. The well-designed incentive approach system of discipline contains the following ingredients: 1) fun for the kids; 2) offers something to gain for doing things right and something to lose for misbehaving; 3) requires no anger on the part of the teacher; and 4) easy to implement. Some see firm discipline destroying creativity, but Dr. Dobson strongly believes that creativity can flourish only when there is enough order to allow for concentrated though… “Chaos and creativity don’t mix�?. At the other end of the spectrum, though, an extremely oppressive atmosphere also stifles learning; thus balance is a must in the classroom. Dr. Dobson notes that the most respected teachers are usually those who maintain order without being mean or grouchy. “One who can control a class without being oppressive is almost always loved by her students�?. He also feels children love justice, that when a rule is violated, they want immediate retribution. This equitable legal system helps the child find the classroom as a comfort zone instead of a nerve-wracking chaotic confusion that becomes tiresome and irritating.
In his book, The Strong-willed Child , he focuses on the difference between “willful defiance�? and “childish irresponsibility�?, the two reasons/motives behind a misbehavior. The willful defiance refers to a deliberate act of disobedience – the child knows what is expected and then chooses to do the opposite; it is a refusal to accept parental (teacher) leadership. In contrast, childish irresponsibility results from “forgetting, accidents, mistakes, a short attention span, a low frustration tolerance, immaturity, etc.�?. With willful defiance, the child knows he is wrong; with childish irresponsibility, the child has simply blundered into a consequence he did not plan. To appropriately discipline, Dr. Dobson urges parents (teachers) to use “intention�? as a guide. Another valuable lesson for parents that will affect their child’s attitude as they come to school is that “parents should introduce their child to discipline and self-control by the use of external influences when he is young�?. This requirement of behaving responsibly will help the child gain valuable experience in controlling his own impulses and resources which will eventually lead the child into is own self-discipline as a young adult. Thus, limits should be defined properly so the child knows what is acceptable and unacceptable. Parents (teachers) need to be able to interpret the child’s intent in order to discipline appropriately.
References: Dobson, Dr. James. The New Dare to Discipline. (1992). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publications, Inc. Dobson, Dr. James. The Strong-willed Child. (1981). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publications, Inc.
I didn't really feel like talking about Dobson, but since I read one of his books and his name is on this list I feel I should probably add something to it.
Overall, Dr. Dobson offers some very "common-sense" strategies for discipline in his book Dare To Discipline. In this day and age, there are some parents who are afraid to say "no" to their child, and I believe this book is a good first step for those people. Eventually parents and teachers need to branch out and learn about other strategies in order to be a better teacher and parent for their child, but this could be a good solid beginning for many people. I say that because I am concerned that Dr. Dobson views hadn't changed a whole lot between the time the first edition and second edition were written. It was a time span of about twenty years, and was and still is a concern for me. I am shocked that in all that time he didn't find more strategies or change his mind about anything having to do with discipline.
His ideas are not so far off of some of the theories we have discussed in class. He believes that "developing respect for parents is the critical factor in child management". This relates back to our discussions about parents and classroom management. If the teacher does not show respect for individual parents in their words and actions, the child will probably do one of two things: 1. Not respect their parent/parents as a result, or 2. Not respect the teacher. It sounds pretty logical to me, but I'm willing to hear some arguments on this issue. He also believes that "the best opportunity to communicate often occurs after a disciplinary event". This is part of being an effective teacher or parent and is also related to Covey's seven habits. The third idea Dobson discusses is: 3. Control without nagging. I am so pleased that he discusses this because my mother was a nagger. My siblings and I had no respect for her as a disciplinarian because of this. It is simply ineffective. It often leads to anger, which is worse than simply disciplining the child! Why yell at the student or child when you can simply say, "look, if you do that again, this is going to happen". Empty threats are mentioned as one of the biggest mistakes parents and teachers make. He also talks about positive reinforcement as being a method of getting a desireable behavior from the child.
One word on Dobson: He tends to be a little (that's putting it mildy) preachy at times. I do not agree with his chapter entitled "Discipline and Morality" in this book. There he discusses an intolerance for gay people and what he calls a "gay agenda" in America. As I was reading this book, I have to say that I didn't see that coming and was quite disapponted. I do encourage taking the ideas in the aforementioned chapters into consideration.
Application in classrooms and similar settings
There is a place on Dr. Dobson’s website where questions may be submitted. (See references.) There was a response to the question “Does Dr. Dobson prefer a classroom where student behavior is tightly controlled?�? His response was in terms of what children will need for life, such as being on time or sticking with a task even when wanting to do a more desirable activity. So, out of love, the teacher would guide students in learning “to sit when she feels like running, to raise her hand when she feels like talking, …�?.
Another question was in reference to corporal punishment. His position is that it would not be effective in the elementary school for “hard-core troublemakers�?, or the junior or senior high school levels. It can be effective, though, in the elementary school for “amateur clowns�?.
It is evident that Dr. Dobson believes in the effect that a teacher can have on a child. A “chaotic classroom with a disorganized teacher�? may cause the child to develop bad habits and attitudes.
In Dr. Dobson’s opinion, children with [ADHD] should also be held accountable for their behavior, although they may receive discipline through different methods. He refers to Dr. Domeena Renshaw for a list of suggestions for dealing with children with ADHD. To access the list, follow this link. http://www.focusonyourchild.com/learning/art1/A0000497.html It's interesting that Dr. Dobson believes that boys are different. Dr. Dobson believes that boys are more competitive, aggrssive, and assertive.
In his book "Dare to Discipline", Dr. James Dobson gives parents sensible advice on how to deal with their children. All the principles and advices in the book can easily be applied in classroom as well. Teachers deal with children who continually disrupt classes with their defiance, disrepect, and lack of self-discipline. In his book, Dobson examines five underpinnings to common sense childrearing of which four of them can easily be applied to teachers:
(1) Developing respect for parents(teachers) is the critical factor in child(class) management.
(2) The best opportunity to communicate often occurs after a disciplinary event.
(3) Control without nagging(yelling).
(4) Establish a balance between love and discipline.
Ann Shin
Evidence of effectiveness
Critics and their rationale
Dobson's crusade sends a message the media don't get By ERIC DEGGANS, Times Op/Ed Columnist Published January 28, 2005 http://www.stpetersburgtimes.com/2005/01/28/Columns/Dobson_s_crusade_send.shtml
Brief bio of Dobson: NNDB is an intelligence aggregator that tracks the activities of people we have determined to be noteworthy, both living and dead. Superficially, it seems much like a "Who's Who" where a noted person's curriculum vitae is available (the usual information such as date of birth, a biography, and other essential facts.) http://www.nndb.com/people/013/000031917/
Alternative explanations due to Diversity considerations
Signed "life experiences", testimonies and stories
I very much enjoy listening to Dr. Dobson's radio show when I am able. His teachings and trainings on parenting and working with children are very biblical. True, some may not agree with his philosophy, but his ideas are in the best interest of children. He has been helpful to me as a classroom teacher on several occassions. His new book, believe it is Raising Boys, has gone into detail explaining why boys are different than girls in behavior. He discusses ways in which to encourage boys to be boys and to train boys to be men someday. Now to many people that would sound extremely sexist and perhaps even offensive. But when you look at that from a biblical standpoint I don't believe it is offensive. This is just one example of his great teachings. - V.C.
I think one thing that must be understood about Dobson is his background. In many ways, I believe he is a Christian first and a psychologist second. To some that is offensive, irritating, or wrong, but those are not the people I would imagine he is trying to reach. There are others, though, for whom is message is valuable and applicable. I certainly disagree with him on occasion, on specific issues, but I can appreciate much of what he says and does. I believe Dobson's faith is the reason why there is little change in his message from one generation to the next. It is not based on current trends of the day, but on the unchanging Bible. People may disagree or agree with how he applies it, or the pertinence of the Bible to the present day, but that is why there is little change. Also, I find that most of his advice centers on very young children (preschool or below) and/or teens; there is little in between. So some snippets (especially from the radio) can sound very pessimistic, or make it seem like he doesn't believe in letting children make their own decisions, learn from their own mistakes, etc. However, I think this is simply because he is focusing on the times when most parents struggle with raising their children the most. Objections to his more political statements must again by viewed through his lens to understand them; while Dobson is known to disagree with abortion and gay rights as political agenadas, he is very loving towards these people as individuals. While I know many disagree with his stand on these issues, I think it's important to try to understand where he is comfing from to really be able to evaluate the validity of his work. -- Emily Cox
I have always enjoyed listening to the insights of Dr. Dobson. While I sometimes see his views as being more conservative then my own, he has a way of approaching problems and solutions that is valuable despite a possible difference in philosophy. My interpretation is that his underlying principals are grounded in the basic premise that we should value human life and most importantly children and family above all other things, at least in the corporal world. - M. Cornell
References and other links of interest
For more suggestions endorsed by Dr. Dobson concerning children with ADHD: http://www.focusonyourchild.com/learning/art1/A0000497.html
To submit a question to Dr. Dobson: http://family.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/family.cfg/php/enduser/cls_alp.php?p_sid=rEhbw6Dh&p_lva=793&p_li=&p_sp=&p_cluster=0000|49|10022
Books by James Dobson: http://www.booksamillion.com/ncom/books?type=author&find=james+c+dobson&ad=GLBKSAUTH
Dobson, J. (2001). Bringing up BoysWheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Personal Note: I chose Dr. James Dobson as my third word to research because of my familiarity with his discipline measures several years ago as I was raising my own daughter. Our church had several sessions that included videotapes of Dr. Dobson discussing the issues from his book Dare to Discipline. I remembered them as being very helpful; what I didn’t remember was his stance on corporal punishment. Charles H. Wolfgang’s take on Dr. Dobson was bothersome to me. Not only does he make Dr. Dobson appear as a vigilante in regards to spanking, but also states that Dr. Dobson “does not have an optimistic faith in the child’s own capacities for problem solving regarding appropriate behavior and is clearly against the ‘humanism’ principles found in the Relationship-Listening techniques�?. I needed to find out the truth behind these claims!
References:
Dobson, Dr. James. Dare to Discipline/The New Dare to Discipline. (1970/1992). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publications, Inc. Wolfgang, Charles H. Solving Discipline and Classroom Management Problems. (2001). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Pp. 108 – 109.
