Positive Parenting

By : Jessica Roberson, MSW Intern

There is so much information available to parents regarding raising children that it is easy to become overwhelmed. It is also easy for you to feel lost or as if you are doing wrong by your child. You are not alone in those feelings!

Let’s talk about a positive approach to parenting- one that helps parents meet their child’s emotional needs FIRST to ward off future inappropriate behaviors.

Here’s 5 quick steps for a “positive parenting” approach:

1.) Ensure a safe, healthy, and appealing environment for children:

Pay attention to how often you tell your children “No” or “stop.” Instead of “not until you finish dinner,” try “yes, we can do that after we finish dinner.”

2.) Create a positive learning environment:

Explore and create with your children. Allow any moment to be a learning moment, including discipline. Help them to understand what it wrong about a behavior and how to make a more appropriate choice in the future.

3.) Use assertive, consistent, and non-violent discipline:

Imagine that your child is you as an adult. How do you respond to being yelled at or being punished? Then think about how you would like someone to approach you. Pick a non-violent option, and stick to it each time a negative behavior occurs. Consider natural consequences. For example, if your child refuses to wear a coat, explain to them that they will be cold.

4.) Give both yourself and your child some GRACE:

You are both doing your best at navigating this beautiful and challenging life. Have reasonable expectations of your children and of yourself as a parent.

5.) TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF:

You’ve heard the phrase, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” Parents, we must prioritize ourselves, and our own needs both physically and mentally, because at the end of the day, all children really want is to see you happy. They will mirror that behavior.

Lastly, just focus on being the parent you needed as a child.

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