Gentle Discipline, Sarah OckwellSmith
Gentle Discipline, Sarah OckwellSmith
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Gentle Discipline
Using Emotional Connection--Not Punishment--to Raise Confident, Capable Kids

Author: Sarah Ockwell-Smith

Narrator: Sarah Ockwell-Smith

Unabridged: 9 hr 34 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Published: 12/09/2025

Includes: Bonus Material Bonus Material Included

Synopsis

As seen in the New York Times -- a practical guide that presents an alternative to shouting, shaming, and blaming--to give kids the skills they need to grow and thrive

Discipline is an essential part of raising happy and successful kids, but as more and more parents are discovering, conventional approaches often don't work, and can even lead to more frustration, resentment, power struggles, and shame.

Enter Sarah Ockwell-Smith, a popular parenting expert who believes there's a better way. Citing the latest research in child development, psychology and neuroscience, Gentle Discipline debunks common myths about punishments, rewards, the "naughty chair," and more, and presents practical, connection-based techniques that really work--and that bring parents and kids closer together instead of driving then apart. Topics include:

Setting--and enforcing--boundaries and limits with compassion and respect
Focusing on connection and positivity instead of negative consequences
Working with teachers and other caregivers
Breaking the cycle of shaming and blaming

Filled with ideas to try today, Gentle Discipline helps parents of toddlers as well as school-age kids embrace a new, more enlightened way to help kids listen, learn and grow.

* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF of resources from the book.

About The Author

Sarah Ockwell-Smith is a popular parenting expert whose blog (at SarahOckwell-Smith.com) is read by two million parents each year. A trained prenatal teacher, birth and postnatal doula, and pediatric homeopath, she is also the cofounder of GentleParenting.com. She lives in with her family, including four school-age children along with cats and assorted farm animals, in a 350-year-old cottage in rural Essex, UK.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Angelique on June 29, 2017

This book is so hard in line with everything I've read, feel and am. I'm not usually one for parenting books, but reading this has fundamentally changed my relationship with my son in a positive way that is really healthy and happy for both of us. I really liked the way you wrote this book, Sarah! So......more

Goodreads review by Chris on January 13, 2018

I came across this on audiobook and decided I would read it on my commute because, let's face it, every parent can benefit from new ideas on child discipline. The book is a mixed bag. She has a lot to say about how a child's mind works, and I don't doubt her knowledge on this subject. She also has s......more

Goodreads review by Lgordo on January 18, 2025

Gentle parenting has been in the culture a lot recently, with mostly negative or gently critical coverage. And whenever someone posts such an article or reel to a mom group, there are two kinds of women who go up and down the threads telling everyone they don't know what gentle parenting really is.......more

Goodreads review by Alyssa on February 26, 2022

It's hard to write a review of this book. The concepts are not ground breaking nor do they differ much from each other. Essentially the advice is to carve more time to build a stronger relationship. I appreciate the approach but the information fell short.......more

Goodreads review by Michelle on August 28, 2023

I've enjoyed listening to gentle discipline via audiobook. She has such a soft English voice and I feel like nanny McPhee has come to help me. Haha 😆 Not some magic parenting book but good ways to think of ways to discipline/be empathetic/ talk through things with your child and being understanding......more

Quotes

“Gentle Discipline is a thorough guide to raising confident, capable children. Sarah Ockwell-Smith delivers valuable information and balances it nicely with practical and clear advice for implementing gentle discipline. This is a book that will remain by your bedside for reference for years to come." 
--Rebecca Eanes, author of Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide

"Any parent who wants to guide their children with more respect rather than govern them with fear will benefit from reading Gentle Discipline. If you want reduce power struggles and punishments and replace them with more connection and understanding, this is a great read."
--Jessica Joelle Alexander, co-author of The Danish Way of Parenting
 
“What I value most about Sarah Ockwell-Smith’s latest book is that it honors the struggles of both children and parents. She helps us see how understanding both sets of needs yields resolution and connection, which are not words we usually associate with discipline! Readers are treated not only to fascinating new discoveries about how children’s brains and behavior relate but also to the ‘ah-ha’ moments that parents most wish for during times of conflict with their children.”
--Dr. Suzanne Zeedyk, developmental psychologist, Honorary Fellow, University of Dundee
 
“In Gentle Discipline, Sarah Ockwell-Smith challenges us as parents to pause, take a step back, and understand why children behave the way they do, so that we can make respectful and effective parenting choices… Congratulations, Sarah, this is a comprehensive, pragmatic, and common-sense approach to redefining what it means to discipline our children. Children all over the world will be thanking you!”
--Tracy Gillett, writer, mother, and founder of Raised Good


"The beauty of Ockwell-Smith’s guidance: She’s low on judgment and high on helpful insights into why your kid can go from angel to monster in 10 seconds flat."
--Bookpage


 
Praise for Sarah Ockwell-Smith
 
“I love the way Sarah breaks the concept down into clear guidelines -- without being strident about one right way to be a parent -- and the way she addresses the challenge of shifting from mainstream parenting to more gentle ways. The world can be a harsh place; families don't have to be." 
--Lawrence J. Cohen, PhD, author of Playful Parenting
 
“Provides a welcome antidote to the storm of advice that so often overwhelms new parents.”
--Dr. Laura Markham, author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids

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