When we were contacted by one of Izumi Takase's participants from her workshops, we were happy to find out more about iPositiveLINC. We asked Izumi to explain what she does and how positive discipline can benefit parents as well as their children.
Why did you start? What has been the inspiration?
I first came across Positive Discipline (PD) in 2013 with the book by Jane Nelsen, when my son was 11. To set the background, I am Japanese, naturalized Swiss, married twice to different nationalities. Within this multi-lingual, cultural and blended family environment, I have a son (a single child from my first marriage) who is living with us and spending half of his holidays with his father (and his new family abroad). I was also a single mom when my son was a toddler. When my son reached his pre-teen – and grew 20cm in one summer, I found myself looking up at a tall (and I’m short) grumpy/sulking boy with whom I lost my means of communication (and authority…) amongst other challenges. Our relationship was getting challenging and I was lost with this ‘stranger’ who is my son. I searched for various parenting books and came across Positive Discipline – which changed everything, much beyond my expectations.
The book helped me to a certain extent but the big difference was made when I attended a workshop. It opened a whole new world in parenting with amazing results. I saw the potential in helping other parents around me and whilst working as in HR consultant (I am also a Corporate Trainer) I decided to go further with this methodology by becoming a Positive Discipline trainer a few years later. In 2016, I resigned from my job of 20 years and founded iPositiveLINC. My inspiration is to continue Learning, Inspire, Nurture and Connect (LINC) people whether it be parents, teachers, educators, leaders for a fulfilled life in the family, classroom and at the workplace. When people feel connected, there are many positive outcomes and possibilities for a better world. Especially today.
Have you been working on this idea forever, or was it something that came to you recently?
Having worked in Human Resources for so long, namely in recruitment, learning and development, and also as a Job Coach, it was a natural move to something closer to the core of what I considered the pillar for building Social and Emotional Skills (SEL): the family. I wanted to go back to the source of where change can be made and help families and schools teach children to become responsible and happy adults.
What is the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?
Positive Discipline (PD) was only known by a handful of certified trainers 5 years ago, especially in English in this region. This teaching concept of experiential workshops is also uncommon. Speaking about developing social competencies, emotions, horizontal relationships, kind and firm communication sounds utopic when there is so much stress and high expectations (as well as tradition). Today, with the pandemic, there is increased attention on the importance of developing emotional and social skills! And, Positive Discipline is a self-development process so it takes time. We are living in a high speed, fast result environment and talking about a long-term process is not always easy to get accepted.
What are your plans for the future?
As a trainer of trainers in PD, I hope to continue growing the community of facilitators for parents, teachers and schools so that it becomes part of an on-going training process for everyone who wants to continue learning and practicing. We organize supervisory workshops for certified facilitators so they can continue practicing and have the necessary support to launch their classes. Fortunately, we are very much supported by the US and French PD Association with over 300 members covering the French-speaking trainers, and over 24,600 members worldwide. My dream is to have a hub of PD trainers in the Swiss Romande region who work together and collaborate to support parents, teachers and schools, whether it be in French or in English. There is so much to do and so much need!
What is your favorite product you offer and why?
PD offers a variety of workshops, whether it be for parents, educators, teachers, childcare providers and also for Early Childhood Educators. I love them all as they are all powerful and practical, as well as fun! I enjoy working with parents as they come from all backgrounds, nationalities, family constellations. It is very rich in learning and exchanges and we learn a great deal from each other. We love our children and we all want the best for them – even when it’s challenging. I learn so much by just hearing about their insights during the workshops. These are what we call the ‘a-ha’ moments.
What are others are saying about iPositiveLINC?
Some recent recommendations from parents in a multinational company in Lausanne. The workshop was a Lunch & Learn session of 11 hours, for 6 sessions online.
I am so grateful to Izumi for having opened my heart and mind to "positive discipline". With role play and problem-solving discussions, we learn how to use a wide range of tools and insights to tackle our daily challenges of parenting. All this in a friendly and warm atmosphere created by Izumi. Kudos for the excellent workshop! Isabel, mother of 3 children.
I came to the course feeling a disconnect between me and my eldest child. I couldn't understand why she was frustrated or behaving in certain ways and I was disappointed that too often we resorted to raised voices. After following the workshops with Izumi I have practical tools to help me break down the situations and be better prepared for them. Positive Discipline is like a muscle - it needs work to build it and to maintain it but now I have all of the tools in my hands to make it happen. I'm happy I followed the course with Izumi. It's clear she has extensive experience and she shares it in such an open way and never with judgement. Thank you! Joanne, mother of a 6 year-old daughter
Just try it! it is really helpful to better understand your kids, their emotions, their reaction... and also to better understand yourself and the way you act and react. Sometimes it seems to be easy or normal and it's not and this workshop really helps you to be more focus on what matter. It also brings you tools and ideas to change some habits and to bring them where you would like them to go. … It is so powerful to be able to talk with other parents (that you don't know - different from your family or friends) even if your kids are not the same age and you don't have the same "problems". It's always a great learning. Thank you Izumi! I was looking at your website from time to time and I'm glad I had the opportunity to join this session. Stéphanie, mother of a 2 year-old.
It's a great workshop to get practical experience and transition from theory to real life application. Robin, father to a 7 year-old son.
Some recently certified classrooom facilitators - June 2021
Anything else you think our readers would like to know.
Positive Discipline has changed my life in many ways, whether it be relationships with my family, my colleagues, friends and my spouse. I truly believe all parents, teachers, educators, team members should have access to these workshops. It’s about living a better, healthier and more fulfilled life. And it’s possible for everyone who is willing to question their habits, self-reflect, and grow as a human being. It’s also about learning how to develop a sense of belonging and contribution towards our community for more peace and harmony. Isn’t it wonderful?
Izumi is kindly offering Free Introductory Sessions with the code knowitall21. In French, the "Atelier Découverte" will take place on your choice between 2 September, 7 October, or 7 November 2021. If you prefer a version in English, Izumi will open a session in December upon request (minimum 5 people).
Izumi Takase
iPositiveLINC.com
Licensed Swiss Federal Trainer BFFA
Formatrice Discipline Positive / Positive Discipline Trainer
Team Management System Trainer
https://ipositivelinc.com/fr/events
Extract from a workshop given to the Swiss Nanny Association in 2017
