Positive Parenting Techniques

Positive parenting techniques will help to build your child's self esteem and therefore build a strong foundation to their life. Here are a few practical ideas to help make your parenting more positive.

Set a Good Example

I know I've mentioned this on a previous page, but it's so fundamental I'm going to repeat it. It is vital that we set a good example to our kids. They learn behaviour by copying the adults around them, especially their parents and carers, so we need to behave as we want them to behave.

Notice Good Behaviour

One of the excellent positive parenting techniques is to always be on the lookout for good behaviour and praise it. It's easy to not notice when things are quiet and going well and just "let sleeping dogs lie", but praising the positive behaviour will reinforce it. Children want to please their parents, so we need to show them clearly what it is that they do that pleases us.

Be Careful How You Discipline

There will be times when you'll find it necessary to discipline your child, but care should be taken in how that's done. We don't want to damage the child's self-esteem, just point out that the behaviour was unacceptable. With a young child a "no, that will hurt you" will probably be sufficient. With an older child you can explain why the behaviour is unwanted and the consequences of continued unwanted behaviour. For example, if an eight year old is teasing his younger brother, it would be appropriate to take him to one side and help him to understand how his behaviour makes his younger brother feel. "How would you feel if someone did that to you?" This is a useful question to ask to prompt that thought.

Understand Your Child's Personality

It may be that you will need to modify your approach according to the personality of your child. Different types of personality will need different approaches. For example and child with a strong personality and very self-confident will need a different approach to the shy and timid child.

What's The Root Cause

Another of the great positive parenting techniques is to have an understanding of the root causes of common unwanted behaviours. It may be that certain behaviours are just a normal part of that stage of development, or it may be that there is something upsetting the child that is causing him to behave that way.

Give Time For Free Play

Free, child directed play is great for kids to be able to develop in so many areas. It helps them in their social development, negotiating with their friends in what and how to play. It helps them in their physical development, being active and using their bodies. It helps them in their emotional and cognitive development, they act out circumstances in their lives as a way of thinking through and understanding them.

Add Love!

There are many positive parenting techniques to help us bring up healthy, happy children and these ideas, implemented with love will go a long way to making a great future for our societies.

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