Positive Parenting is a parenting principle that involves nurturing, empowering, caring, teaching and communicating. It provides guidance and involves setting boundaries to enable the full development of the child
The Positive Parenting approach focuses on teaching proper future behaviour instead of punishing past misbehaviour
Research has found that Positive Parenting is associated with lower levels of aggression and other forms of challenging behaviour in children.
Some of the benefits of Positive Parenting include fewer behavioural problems, close parent-child relationships, better self-esteem and mental health, better school performance, social competence, better parenting self-esteem and less stress.
Positive Parenting is significantly different from traditional harsh Parenting. It requires a different mindset and approach with patience, persistence and plenty of practice
Ready to use Positive Parenting techniques in your home? Here are some useful tips you might find helpful:
1. Be present. It reinforces connection and maintains trust
2. Lead by example. Action always speaks louder
3. Empathize. Being a kid isn’t always as easy as we think
4. Set boundaries in a positive way. Find ways to be firm without being harsh
5. Address the need behind the misbehaviour
6. Consider their age so you set realistic expectations
7. Turn mistakes into learning opportunities
8. Follow through. Do not make empty threats or promises you cannot keep
9. Use positive reinforcement. Acknowledge what they do right rather than fixating on what they do wrong
10. Choose discipline over punishment
11. Trust them so that they are empowered to become more independent
Being a Positive Parent is hard but having a clear “WHY” will help you stay on course
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About The Writer
Boma Obuoforibo is a positive parenting coach. She teaches, trains and coach parents to understand and practice the right discipline so that they can thrive in their parenting and raise calmer, happier and more secure children.
Website | bobuoforibo.com
Instagram | @bomaobuoforibo
