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Parenting expert Juda Carter in Tokyo

By on January 31, 2012
Juda Carter is currently a faculty member at California State University, Fullerton where she has been an Education consultant to schools and parents in the U.S.A. since the 1990s. To date, she has trained over 500 parents and teachers in Positive Behavior Support, appeared on television and presented her parenting method at statewide and national conferences in the United States. We were lucky to have the chance to meet her.

TF: Welcome to Japan.   What brought you here?
Juda: In November 2010, I published a book called Keep It Positive, A New Approach to Successful Parenting in the USA.  In June 2011 I was invited by the Tokyo Mother’s Group to give a presentation on my book.  It was well received and I have returned to Tokyo to do a two-day training on the Keep it Positive method.

TF: Tell us about Keep it Positive.
Juda: Keep It Positive is a research based approach for parents that teaches them to learn to reinforce positive behavior and to give little or no attention to inappropriate behavior. Often parents utilize punitive responses when their child misbehaves, but remain frustrated and discouraged when children continue to exhibit the same negative behaviors that  have already been punished.  Keep It Positive works for every behavior and helps children to embrace skills needed to interact in positive ways.  Parents who participate in our classes are thrilled with the results of a happier, more peaceful home.
 
TF: Japan is home to a number of multi-cultural families.  That said,  bi-racial children are subject to contrasting styles of discipline.  For example, Japanese children are raised to be more dependent on their parents. 
Juda:  Multi-cultural families in Japan may face unique challenges because of differing viewpoints to parenting.  But differing approaches to parenting often happens in families with the same culture and background also.  Keep it Positive training helps parents to understand how to change their interactions with their children and each other and how to unite in their approach to parenting.  Encouragement and structure lend safety and security to any child.  These precepts are some of the important skills that we teach that help to create a greater sense of independence and competency for children.  When I met with families in Tokyo last June, I found that many of the parenting difficulties they faced were universal.

TF: Who is the program for and why is it successful?
Juda: The program is for parents of children typically between 2 and 12 years of age. I believe its success is because parents begin to see their children in a new light after taking the course. We all want to feel successful in the important task of raising our children.  This course helps parents to change the way they react to their children.  It is about seeing your child as a competent little person that wants to please their parents. Keep it Positive is a way to make the changes parents need to make to have their vision of  family fulfilled.

TF:  What is family to Juda Carter?
Juda: Family to me is a group of individuals who love and care for one another in a way that enhances and encourages each other’s growth.  They also support each other in good times and in difficulties.  It is the cornerstone of interpersonal relationships.

For more info on Keep It Positive, visit www.keepitpositive.net

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