I have read Nicholeen’s book, have met her in person, have heard her speak, have purchased her Implementation Course (which includes DVDs, CDs, books etc.). I began using TSG about 2 years ago and it was absolutely transformational for my home and for our children. My oldest was about 8 years old at the time, and we were just having the usual parenting/discipline struggles, nothing serious. It has been amazing as I have followed Nicholeen’s teachings to learn how to be calm myself (the first and hardest step!), and to teach my children the same principles. Nicholeen teaches 4 Basic Skills (Following Instructions, Accepting a No Answer, Accepting a Consequence, and Disagreeing Appropriately), each of which has 4-6 steps. It was very simple for my children to learn, though it did take several months for us all to really get the hang of it (and we are still perfecting it). Even my 3 year old learned the idea of Disagreeing Appropriately from watching her older siblings (which Nicholeen says is the gateway skill to self-government).
TSG has brought so much respect and order to our home, and I will be forever grateful. Nicholeen also helps you set up a Family Vision, Family Rules and consequences, and a loving and respectful family culture and atmosphere. I think every child (AND every adult) needs to learn the 4 Basic Skills, as they are critical and useful for any relationship and any situation where you interact and communicate with people. I really feel that Nicholeen has discovered and been able to articulate a real formula for teaching calm, respectful communication for children and adults.
