Chapter 1: The Challenge
As you begin reading The New Dare to Discipline, what do you hope to learn from this book?
Review the story of Mrs. Nichols and Sandy on pages 4–5. Do any elements of this story sound familiar, either from your own family or families you know?

Chapter 2: Common Sense and Your Child
Explain how our society moved away from using the Bible as a source of parenting advice.
What factors of modern life contribute to overly permissive parenting?
Explain why parents must begin setting limits very early in a child’s life. What happens when they don’t?

Chapter 3: More Common Sense about Children
When following biblical parenting principles, is it reasonable to expect to raise perfect children? Is there a more realistic objective? If so, what is it?
Discuss the differences between “discipline” and “punishment,” according to Dr. William Glasser. How does a child typically react to each?
Consider these five keys to commonsense child-rearing:
Develop respect for parents.
Communicate after discipline.
Control without nagging.
Don’t saturate the child with materialism.
Establish a balance between love and discipline.
Which of these principles do you think is most important? If you are a parent, which is most challenging for you? Which is easiest? How do these principles compare with the way you were brought up?

Chapter 4: Questions and Answers
Read through the Q & A section of this chapter. Were any of the answers surprising to you? If so, why?
How can a parent put an end to defiant behavior without squelching a child’s true feelings?
Describe the difference between inappropriate corporal punishment and appropriate spanking.

Chapter 5: The Miracle Tools, Part 1
Discuss the benefits of the reward system. Are there any potential drawbacks?
What are some key elements to successful reinforcement of good behavior?
How do rewards differ from bribery?

Chapter 6: The Miracle Tools, Part 2
Discuss how reinforcement principles can be used to discourage unwanted behavior, resulting in “extinction”.
Do you think that a system of rewards and punishment is manipulative? What is the difference between being manipulative and showing leadership?

Chapter 7: Discipline in Learning
Did you, or anyone you know, experience the “open classrooms” of the 1960s and 1970s, or any other avant-garde educational experiments? If so, describe the experience. What have been the lasting effects of such experiments?
What are some of the toughest problems facing schools today, and how can they be corrected? What can you do to help?
Discuss the importance of the teacher’s authority in the classroom. Give some examples of appropriate and inappropriate expressions of authority.

Chapter 8: The Barriers to Learning, Part 1
What is the difference between being a Late Bloomer and a Slow Learner? How can each be helped to succeed at learning?
Do you think school systems are set up to help those who are outside the norm, whether slow learners or exceptionally bright kids? Why or why not? What can a parent do to help?
What do you think of home-schooling? What are some of its benefits and drawbacks? Do you know any home-schooling families? Is it something you have tried, or would be willing to consider for your family?

Chapter 9: The Barriers to Learning, Part 2
What two qualities are necessary to produce academic excellence? Which do underachievers usually lack? Why do you think this is so?
When trying to help an underachiever, what approaches are least effective? What are some practical steps a parent can take instead?

Chapter 10: Discipline in Morality
Discuss some of the root causes for today’s high rate of juvenile delinquency.
What do you think of the pro-abstinence advertisement created by Focus on the Family (pages 208–215)?
What can parents do to make sure their children get accurate information and form appropriate attitudes concerning sex?

Chapter 11: A Moment for Mom
What are some practical ways that a mom can safeguard her own health and sanity?
How can you show support for the moms you know?
Has reading The New Dare to Discipline changed your thinking about the discipline of children? Reinforced your own views? Or a combination? Explain your response.