Provides parents, teachers, and counselors with innovative ways to deal with discipline problems and open up communication between child and adult. Innovations discussed include: (1) problem-ownership; (2) I-message; (3) active listening; and (4) brainstorming. Warns against placing labels on childrens' problems. Emphasizes use of positive…

Discusses the implementation and utilization of specific behavioral skills and techniques designed to aid the parent or teacher in dealing with disciplinary and disruptive behaviors both within the home and the school, which enable the teacher or parent to effectively communicate with the child. (Author/CM)

Questionnaires administered to 956 public and parochial school teachers investigated classroom behavior problems, the level at which preponderance occurred, use of corporal punishment, and the attitudes teachers have taken toward these critical situations. A majority of the teachers blamed the home for the increase in discipline problems. (DS)