What is positive parenting?
Positive parenting is a parenting approach that focuses on building a strong, supportive relationship between parent and child. It is based on the belief that children can thrive when they feel loved and supported.
Many parents fall into the trap of thinking that they must be perfect parents – positive parenting is not about being perfect but making a deliberate effort to create a positive, nurturing environment for your child. It’s about being attuned to your child’s needs and reacting in a way that will help them feel loved, respected and supported.
It s not straight forward to define positive parenting, as there are many different ways to parent positively. However, at its core, positive parenting is about establishing a warm, supportive, and nurturing relationship with your child. It is also about setting clear expectations and limits, providing consistent discipline when needed and teaching your child how to make good choices helping them to develop into a responsible and independent adult.
The benefits of positive parenting
Positive parenting focuses on raising children in a manner that emphasises their positive behaviours and traits while also providing love and support. This approach can have many benefits for both children and parents. some of these include:
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- improved communication between parent and child
- increased feelings of warmth and closeness between parent and child
- greater cooperation from children
- improved self-esteem in children
- increased academic success in children
- better social skills in children
- fewer behavioural problems in children
- improved mental health for both parents and children
- stronger parent-child relationships
- a more positive outlook on life for both parents and children
7 tips for positive parenting
There is no one answer to the question of how to be a positive parent, as every family is different and every child is unique. However, some general tips can help you create a positive parenting style that works for you and your family. This is probably the most important tip on the list. It’s easy to get frustrated with our kids, but it’s important to remember that they’re still learning and growing. Be patient with them and yourself, and try to take a step back when things get heated.
1. Spend time with them.
Quality time is so important for kids. Make sure to schedule regular one-on-one time with each of your kids, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. This will give you a chance to really connect with them and build a strong relationship.
2. Be present.
When you’re spending time with your kids, make sure to put away all distractions and really be present with them. This means no phones, no TVs, and no game consoles.
3. Set Clear expectations and boundaries.
Your child must know what is expected of them regarding behaviour and responsibilities. This will help to reduce conflict and provide a sense of security for your child.
4. Encourage your child to express their emotions.
It is important to validate your child’s feelings and help them to understand and cope with them. This will help them to develop healthy emotional regulation skills.
5. Be a role model for your child.
Show them how to handle emotions positively, and lead by example regarding respectful behaviour.
6. Focus on the positive.
When you catch your child doing something right, praise them for it. This will encourage them to continue doing things right and help them feel good about themselves. Be positive yourself. Children are more likely to imitate their parent’s behaviour than to listen to what they say. If you want your children to be positive, be positive yourself.
7. Invest in your parenting skills.
What if you could become a more positive parent today. . .and every day after that? Discover the keys to changing your child’s behaviour through our popular online course Parents for Life
Positive parenting next steps
When it comes to positive parenting, the focus is on building a foundation of love and trust, while also providing structure and limits. It’s important to remember that every family is different and what works for one, may not work for another. The most important thing is to find what works best for you and your child and to always keep the lines of communication open.
Positive parenting is something that comes naturally to some and is a learned skill for others. There are countless benefits to positive parenting, and that is one of the reasons why we created ‘Parents for Life’ an online course to help you become a more effective and positive parent.
