Are You a Positive Parent?
Some kids will yell down an entire store aisle if you refuse to buy them the exact cereal they saw in a flashy commercial, especially when that particular box happens to come with a cheap plastic toy. Other children will put on their sad face and mope all the way home, maybe even into the next day. Either way, you are the bad parent who refused their request for a sweet breakfast.
There are multiple ways to deal with this situation – ignore it completely, slap the irate child, or communicate with your child in a positive way. In the last version let’s say that you have a discussion about why that particular cereal is not good for them, how they already have enough toys and about what you can buy, together, for breakfast instead. We can also call this gentle guidance, and it is a crucial step in becoming a positive parent.
Positive parenting has plenty of advantages for children of any age:
- Helps to raise aware and responsible kids.
- Focuses on reciprocal care and love towards parents.
- Provides for optimal brain development and increased cognitive function.
However, positive parenting stops working when you, as the parent, forget the rules you have created and stray from proper enforcement. So, inconsistent discipline comes into play here. You have to stand your ground and not falter when you see those Puss in Boots eyes.
As a parent you must be present, nearly all the time – you are the ultimate support system for your kids. Don’t let your smartphone prevent you from “being there” when you take your kids out to lunch or attend their important performance. And remember that with a T.V. on, you may be in the same room, but you may not be relating to one another, trying to understand each other’s emotions for the day.
Kindness wins out every time. Sometimes the results are instant. Often they appear years later. Treat your little ones well now, and they will treat their kids well in the future.
How do you love, care, and nurture your children? What are your thoughts on positive parenting? Please share with us in the comments below.