Rudolf Dreikurs approaches education through the eyes of a child:
- Don’t make me feel smaller than I really am because then I need to pretend that I am the greater of all.
- Don’t yell at me in front of the crowd. I will pay more attention if you talk to me in a calm way when we are just the two of us.
- Don’t always protect me from the consequences! Sometimes it is the best way to learn.
- Don’t make me feel that my mistakes are sins. This confuses all the values I have learned to recognize.
- Don’t pay too much attention when I am in a bad mood. It’s my way to gain the attention I am asking for.
- Don’t constantly make negative remarks to me. Otherwise, I am going to pretend I am not hearing you.
- Don’t pamper me. I know that I cannot always have everything I am asking for.
- Don’t give me frivolous promises. I feel despised when you do not keep them.
- Don’t ignore me whenever I ask you something. If you do so, I will get my information from other sources.
- Don’t fall into contradictions. I lose my faith in you and you confuse me.
- Don’t try to convince me that you are perfect and infallible. I get socked when I find out that you are not.
- Don’t be upset when I say “I don’t like you”. Don’t take it personal I refer to the strength you have to oppose me.
- You should never think that your esteem will be damaged if you ask for forgiveness. When you honestly recognize your mistakes I feel warmer towards you.
