Event Details

Tue
01
Apr

From Chaos to Calm: Compassionate Discipline for Spirited Kids

April 1, 2025 12:00 PM

Register Now

Event Details

Speaker: Joe Newman, author of Raising Lions

Topic: Conscious discipline

12-1pm

This is a virtual learning opportunity through our partner ParentEd Talks. All events are free for the NOVA community. Go to 'Parent Stuff' in the Current Families Portal for the discount code. Or email Nicolina at mnmiller@novaschool.org.

About the topic:

Children today are strong-willed, confident, self-assured and unafraid to speak their minds. But are you? In this live ParentEd Talk, Newman will offer valuable insights on how to transform distracted and defiant children into kids who are motivated, respectful and attentive. Newman explores the deeper purposes behind conflict and what parents can do to spark change and work toward a calmer home.

Joe Newman was diagnosed with ADHD in 1970 and medicated with Ritalin. Everywhere he went, the playground, the classroom, even at home, Joe heard one message loud and clear: “You’re broken; your brain doesn't work; you don’t belong here." At 18, he set off surfing, working odd jobs and immersing himself in punk rock. Out in the world, away from the tethers of school and home, Joe realized that in the right context his so-called flaws were actually strengths. Aggression became contagious passion, distractibility became multi-tasking and stubbornness became tenacity.

His book “Raising Lions” reflects 30 years of working with challenging kids and promoting respect in education and parenting. Joe has been featured on GOOP, Andy Cohen Live and various podcasts. His second book is in progress.

Land Acknowledgement

NOVA is located on the ancestral lands of the Steh-Chass band of the Squaxin Island Tribe and Nisqually Indian Tribe, who have long been stewards of the region’s waters, plants, and animals. The southernmost point of the Salish Sea, these lands were—and still are—a place of gathering, trade, and community for many Coast Salish peoples. We recognize that all who are not Salish peoples are visitors here. We commit to join these peoples to share their history, build relationships, increase representation, and restore the living world around us.