Positive Parenting Skills

Raising children with discipline, good morals, values and manners is every parent’s dream. However it isn’t an easy feat. It involves great understanding and effort. A good parent strives to make decisions in the best interest of the child.

When parents start to understand the balance of where to place boundaries, where to encourage, and where to discourage, then their children will not get spoiled. In this way we become good parents. Following are few tips for good parenting.

#1 Don’t shout at your children

Shouting and getting angry on your children doesn’t help you in any way. Your child will also develop the same habit of getting angry and shouting at others. You may be surprised at the damage that can be done to your children when you yell. Researchers have found that whose parents yelled their children for disciplinary purpose experienced increased behavioural issues.

#2 Be their role model

Don’t just tell your child what you want them to do. Show them. Be a positive role-model them and be cautious about everything you are doing. Children are born without social knowledge or social skills, and they eagerly look for someone to imitate. That "someone" is usually one or both parents. Being a positive role model for your children is one of the most important and rewarding things you can do for your child.

#3 Positive parenting

Babies are born with around 100 billion brain cells (neurons) with relatively little connections. These connections basically determine who we are. They are created, strengthened and “sculpted” through experiences across our lives. Giving positive experiences to your children, so that they will have the ability to experience positive experiences themselves and offer them to others.

#4 Avoid negative approach

The more parents scold or reprimand, the more the bad behaviour gets repeated. When they receive a lot of scolding, children start to internalise the belief that “I’m a bad child who misbehaves and gets scolded”. Setting limits and being consistent are the keys to good discipline. Be kind and firm when enforcing those rules. Focus on the reason behind the child’s behaviour.

#5 Give your children a sense of security

Let your child know that you’ll always be there for them by being responsive to the child’s signals and sensitive to their needs. Support and accept your child as an individual. Be a warm, safe haven for your child to explore from.

#6 Communicating & Interacting

Talk to your child and also listen to them carefully. Encourage them to talk to you so they can tell you what they’re feeling and thinking. Focusing on body language and tone as well as words so you can really understand what children are saying.

#7 Teach them to focus on others need

If you want your children to lead joyful, fulfilling lives, teach them to serve others and contribute. Involve them in activities where they get to help others and make a positive impact. When your children think more in terms of contribution and less in terms of achievement, they’ll be on the path of building a meaningful life.

Taking these “shortcuts” may require more work on your part in the short-term, but can save you lots of time and agony in the long run. Of course, this is a journey that will take time and effort. But it’ll be worth it!

Happy Parenting!