Jane Nelsen

Jane Nelsen, EdD, is an internationally recognized expert in the area of parenting and child development, who has written numerous bestselling books about healthy family relationships. A mother of five and grandmother of nine, her insights come from her personal experience as well as her professional expertise. Her bestselling books all have the common theme of positive, respectful relationships between parents, children and other family members.

Nelsen’s academic career began at Emporia State University, from which she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education. She continued on to earn a master’s degree in counselor education and psychology from the University of Kansas, and her doctorate in education from the University of Colorado. Nelsen also has extensive experience running private counseling practices and has served as an adjunct faculty member and supervisor at various universities as well.

Nelsen’s first book, Positive Discipline, was written in 1989 and published in 1993. It is still considered the gold standard in the field of parenting and family life. Considered both a parenting guide and a toolkit, Positive Discipline helps parents, teachers and other adults identify misbehaviors and, instead of punishment, use positive approaches to develop their children’s understanding of limits and create a supportive and successful environment.

Since the publication of Positive Discipline, Nelsen has written several more books, including Positive Discipline A-Z: 1001 Solutions to Everyday Parenting, Positive Discipline for Preschoolers and Positive Discipline in the Classroom. All of these books, which are co-authored with Dr. Lynn Lott, focus on similar themes and provide strategies for raising respectful, responsible children in a constructive manner.

In addition to her many books, Nelsen has developed an effective and successful parent education program using the methods outlined in Positive Discipline. This program is widely used in schools and numerous other settings around the world. The program includes both parent seminars and parent study groups, in which parents discuss parenting issues and develop strategies for handling challenges and conflicts with their children.

Nelsen has presented at conferences throughout the world and been a guest on many radio and television programs, including Good Morning America. Similarly, her advice has been featured in countless magazines and newspapers, including Time, People and The Wall Street Journal.

Nelsen’s approach is simple yet effective: Parents should set firm limits, yet treat their children with respect, empathy and understanding. When parents do this, they create an environment in which children learn to be responsible and independent. And, most importantly, they create relationships built on mutual respect.

Nelsen has used her expertise to improve the lives of millions of parents and children around the world. Her philosophy of respect, responsibility and connection has provided countless families with healthy, strong relationships and a firm foundation for successful childhoods and adulthoods to come.