Positive Style of Parenting

Positive parenting is founded on your perspective and attitude regarding how to interact with your children. Demonstrating unconditional love, practicing perpetual patience, and being in tune with your child's needs and feelings contribute to a positive parenting style. Setting clear limits, establishing fair consequences and teaching your child to communicate effectively will assist in creating a harmonious dynamic between you and your child. Reserving time for self-care will help you maintain a healthy parenting approach.

• Positive Discipline

  1. Step 1

     Redirect inappropriate or unwanted behavior displayed by your child as a way to foster positive parenting. According to the Children's Physician Network, the most effective approach to redirection is to first remove your child from the disagreeable situation. Acknowledge your child's feelings. Communicate the limits pertaining to the situation. Offer other choices to your child. Explain the consequences that will result if your child continues to behave in the inappropriate manner.

  2. Step 2

     Offer your child consistent and frequent praise for favorable behaviors and choices. The online pediatric guide KeepKidsHealthy.com suggests using what is known as descriptive praise -- explaining precisely what you like about your child's behavior. For example, say "I really like the way you are sharing your blocks with your little brother." Descriptive praise can work for all ages of children. Provide encouragement to your child at any age to boost his confidence and give him courage to take on new challenges.

  3. Step 3

     Teach your child how to compromise in difficult situations. According to Emily Plank, educator and member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, teaching kids to express their needs and feelings in an appropriate way establishes lifelong skills for beneficial communication. Talk with your child to figure out how each of you can meet your needs. Help create a situation in which both you and your child will feel respected.

• Parent Involvement

  1. Step 1

     Participate in regular discussions with your child regarding daily routines, schedules, activities and feelings. Check in with your child to maintain open communication and to help him understand that you care about his general well-being. Family discussions can take place during dinnertime, at bedtime or any time you sense something might be going on with your child.

  2. Step 2

     Offer help and support with your school-aged child's homework and school projects. Communicate with your child's teacher to ensure your child is progressing adequately. Volunteer at school events to promote involvement. The National Education Association emphasizes the importance of parental involvement with children's education. Higher levels of achievement, increased self-esteem and a positive attitude about learning are all benefits your child can experience from your regular participation in school activities.

  3. Step 3

     Include your child in household activities and projects. You can even assign young children simple jobs to help contribute to the family environment. Involve your child in activities such as meal preparation, laundry, cleaning and home organization to promote feelings of inclusion. Completion of household tasks also provides an avenue for positive reinforcement directed toward your child.

• Self-Awareness

  1. Step 1

     Maintain awareness of your own sense of well-being on a regular basis. Remaining patient during times of heightened tension will help keep your parenting approach positive. Take short breaks throughout the day by sitting alone in a room to practice deep breathing or going for a walk around the block to expend stress.

  2. Step 2

     Create and stick to a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed at the same time every night, create a peaceful environment for sleeping and avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and spicy or heavy foods for four hours before going to bed in order to get a good night's sleep. Ensure proper sleep in order to approach parenting with a positive and refreshed perspective.

  3. Step 3

     Schedule time away from your child to focus solely on self-care. Sign up for a yoga, craft or cooking class to continue putting effort into your own interests. Create a network of other parents with whom you can socialize and share parenting experiences. Establish regular contacts who can provide child care when you need time away for personal care. Take care of your own needs so you are prepared to parent in a positive, patient and loving manner.

Posted in: Parenting & Family