Positive parenting patterns are currently very popular among parents. Many have implemented this method for their child because it is considered better and more effective for educating children. If you are a parent or about to be one, you definitely should check out the below to learn more about what positive parenting is and how to implement it.
What Is Positive Parenting?
Positive parenting involves implementing a parenting approach that revolves around supportive, constructive, and enjoyable principles. The supportive aspect entails providing nurturing care that fosters the overall development of the child.
On the other hand, adopting a constructive approach involves refraining from resorting to violence or punishment and instead utilizing methods that promote healthy growth. Incorporating an element of fun into the parenting style helps create a positive and engaging environment for both the parent and the child.
The principle of positive parenting is to teach children discipline by not giving them punishment. However, you need to precisely tell children which behavior is wrong and right. The positive parenting idea was established in the 1900s by an Austrian psychologist named Alfred Adler. Adler believes that children have a real need to feel connected to those around them. And when children are in a responsive and interactive environment, they tend to thrive more.
Many still doubt whether this approach will work smoothly and effectively for educating children. Especially as the stick and carrot method was used a lot by parents back in the day, and this method might urge new parents who grew up with the same parenting style to follow what was applied to them.
How to Do Positive Parenting?
The ultimate aim of positive parenting is to respect your child, so they will be able to grow into individuals who are highly independent and responsible. The following are some steps you can take when implementing positive parenting.
1. Create a Comfortable Environment
Creating a nurturing environment starts with meeting a child’s basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. If all of that has been fulfilled, then positive parenting will be easier to apply effectively.
2. Understand Your Child’s Feelings
Children need to feel valued and cared for, no matter whether they do right or wrong. Thus, you need to give your child your full time and attention in every aspect of their life.
In addition, you can help children positively overcome any conflicts they might experience by urging them to share what’s on their minds. You wouldn’t be able to coax your children to share if you don’t understand their feeling, mood, and facial expression.
3. Set Boundaries
Having boundaries is the key to success in positive parenting. Having boundaries allows you to remain patient and calm when you are irritated, impatient, or angry because of your child’s behavior. Instead of punishing them for their mistake, you need to take a break first for a moment to just calm down and control your and your child’s emotions.
4. Communication Is the Key
Communication is an important part of positive parenting. The main focus of parenting is finding ways to communicate with children in a positive and action-oriented way, not in a negative or harsh way. You can apply this positive attitude by encouraging children to talk about their feelings. You can also start developing communication skills from an early age by doing activities with your little one. Make sure to give eye and physical contact when communicating with children so they feel more valued.
5. Be Assertive
In positive parenting, you can be firm when it comes to setting the rules. Decide what rules are important to you, then communicate them clearly to your child. You need to also be consistent in enforcing these rules. Being a positive parent doesn’t mean leaving your child alone when they are at fault. You should straighten them out firmly when they need a reminder of the rules.
6. Avoid Punishing Children
Punishing children will actually make your relationship with them tenuous; moreover, if the punishment imposed does not match the violations committed.
What Are The Benefits of Positive Parenting?
Though many are still in doubt, research shows that positive parenting has many benefits. One of which is able to reduce depression in children when compared to an authoritarian parenting style. Here are several other benefits of positive parenting that you need to know!
- Positive parenting can help form a stronger parent-child relationship. This parenting style can also indirectly increase trust between children and parents. These positive interactions prevent them from experiencing mental health problems in childhood or later in life.
- Positive parenting can help increase self-esteem in children. Positive behavior will lead them to see mistakes and imperfections as opportunities to improve themselves instead of lowering self-esteem.
- Reducing negative behavior. It’s important to know that in positive parenting, you still have to set boundaries for your children. The difference is that instead of focusing on the child’s negative behavior, you can offer positive alternatives to the actions your child is taking.
When a child is born, they will be just like a blank white sheet; they don’t know what to do, how to act, or to politely interact with other people. This is your responsibility as a parent to shape them into a great individual. Thus, applying the right parenting style to your little one. Positive parenting is definitely one of the best parenting styles to be applied to your children; this can help children to have high assurance in themself and thus be able to grow up as great adults.
Aside from applying a positive parenting attitude, you should also often show appreciation to your little ones by purchasing them a special gift after a job well done. Shopping for self-reward for your children is a great way to uplift your children’s happiness, confidence, and spirit because they know you appreciate them. To get your hands on the best gift for your little one, check out Temu site or download the Temu app to start shopping!
