“Positive Parenting” Strategy
Parenting is challenging no matter what age your children are. With so much parenting information and advice out there, it’s hard to understand the best way to parent your children, where you help them develop a strong personality but at the same time not let them make their own rules. It’s certainly a tricky balance!
Since the recent pandemic, it has become even more critical to support your child’s emotional needs and find ways to help reduce the anxiety many experience.
If you haven’t heard of the term “positive parenting”, we will delve deep into this subject in this article. This strategy involves a positive approach to parenting without frustration, threats or shouting. Positive parenting is about nurturing and motivating good behaviour rather than punishing bad ones.
Research backs up this way of parenting as effective and positive for both - parents and children. So if you’d like to enjoy a fulfilling relationship with your kids, boost their development, and help them create emotional skills, we suggest following our advice below to see if it can be a parenting strategy perfect for you and your family.
One-on-one connection time
One-on-one attention can do wonders for your child. It doesn’t need to be long, but the quality time you can spend with your child, no matter how small or big, can positively affect their development and behaviour. Put aside 10-20 minutes per child per day where you do your child’s favourite activity or enjoy a one-on-one conversation where you can connect with them.
Be the role model
To bring up emotionally-balanced kids, you must show that you control your emotions and demonstrate healthy coping strategies to your children.
Empathise
It’s not easy being a child, and we should remind ourselves every time. Remembering that we all used to be children with struggles can help you understand your child better. Show your child empathy and share your thoughts on how they could deal with difficult situations more easily in the future.
Set boundaries
Being firm without being harsh takes time to master, but once you figure it out, you can be clear with your child on what’s expected of them and the consequences if they don’t follow your request or advice. This is where the kids can learn the importance of following the rules.
Be aware of your child’s developmental stage
Always consider the age of your child and what they are capable of. Don’t expect the same level of response from a younger child compared to their older siblings. Consider the stage of their development before taking any action.
Offer learning opportunities
The best way to learn is from mistakes, which is unfortunate but true throughout anyone’s life - even adults. Turn your child’s mistakes into learning opportunities where they can have the natural consequences of being their teacher.
Follow through
This can be very challenging for parents, but following through is essential. If your child breaks a rule they were aware of, show them they cannot get out of consequences and follow through with providing them without any delays.
Notice your child’s good behaviour
Acknowledging when your child does things right is a massive reward for them. Avoid shaming and reward the good behaviour they show. This is something very simple but effective. Reinforcing their good behaviour with verbal recognition, attention, or even some reward can go a long way.
Discipline, not punish
Firm discipline is more effective than punishment. It helps you avoid scaring or threatening your child and motivates them to take responsibility for their actions rather than resent you for shouting at them.
Create trust
Showing your child that you trust them even in small ways helps kids empower them and realise their capabilities. They grow up more independent and responsible.