Sweet kisses as you lay your sleepy baby in her crib? A heartfelt round of applause when your toddler finally takes to his potty? An enthusiastic cheer as your preschooler sails off on his two-wheeler for the first time?
While these examples are certainly clear demonstrations of positive, loving and supportive parenting, the kind of parenting that children surely respond to, the definition of positive parenting digs much deeper than that.
What does it mean to be a positive parent?
What does it mean to be a positive parent?
Positive parenting is an approach to parenting that assists all aspects of healthy child development. A “positive parent” is a loving, understanding, reasonable and protective teacher and model. Each of these words holds special meaning.
A positive parent is loving…. parents must be warm and nurturing, and show unconditional love for their children to flourish. This kind of love is based on listening for and responding sensitively to each child’s needs and showing empathy with and respect for each child.
A positive parent is understanding of each child’s temperament and is able to build on the strengths of each child’s nature, yet be flexible as time and circumstances dictate.
A positive parent is reasonable…. A reasonable positive parent is consistent and predictable. He or she sets and communicates clear limits and expectations and constructs consequences for irresponsible behaviour that are natural and reasonable, but not penalizing.
A positive parent is protective… Because infants and young children are so helpless, they need adults to provide a safe and secure base. To be protective, parents must be actively involved with each child and provide not only a physically safe environment, but also an emotionally safe atmosphere where children can experiment with emotions, relationships and ideas.
A positive parent is an accomplished teacher… Each parent, in his or her own style and manner, provides opportunities for each child to learn in an atmosphere of acceptance, encouragement and with expectations of success. Positive parents offer each child choices and encourage children to learn to solve problems and make decisions.
A positive parent is an excellent model… Infants and young children are complete imitators, constantly looking to their parents for guidance in how to handle life’s challenges. To be an excellent model, parents must know themselves – both internally, regarding their emotions, values and beliefs, and how they appear to others in the family, on the job and in their community.
A positive parent is understanding of each child’s temperament and is able to build on the strengths of each child’s nature, yet be flexible as time and circumstances dictate.
A positive parent is reasonable…. A reasonable positive parent is consistent and predictable. He or she sets and communicates clear limits and expectations and constructs consequences for irresponsible behaviour that are natural and reasonable, but not penalizing.
A positive parent is protective… Because infants and young children are so helpless, they need adults to provide a safe and secure base. To be protective, parents must be actively involved with each child and provide not only a physically safe environment, but also an emotionally safe atmosphere where children can experiment with emotions, relationships and ideas.
A positive parent is an accomplished teacher… Each parent, in his or her own style and manner, provides opportunities for each child to learn in an atmosphere of acceptance, encouragement and with expectations of success. Positive parents offer each child choices and encourage children to learn to solve problems and make decisions.
A positive parent is an excellent model… Infants and young children are complete imitators, constantly looking to their parents for guidance in how to handle life’s challenges. To be an excellent model, parents must know themselves – both internally, regarding their emotions, values and beliefs, and how they appear to others in the family, on the job and in their community.
Does Positive Parenting mean just being nice to your child?
NO. Quite often being a ‘reasonable’ parent does not sound very positive. For example ‘setting limits’ or disciplining appropriately’ may not sound very positive. However, the long term impact of positive parenting are positive for the children and for their relationship with parents.
The first step towards positive parenting should be creating a comfort level between you and your child. This will make children learn to be secured, loved and above all be valued as an individual.
The second step would be your interaction as a parent with your child. Playing with your child is very important. Playing is a learning process and an integral part of growing up.Your participation in it as a parent will help the child to explore and discover the world and understand his role in it.
The third step would be to teach. Teaching helps children learn. Often parents are the first teachers in a child’s life. With you as a role model she will learn to communicate and relate to others. Your teachings as a parent will be her stepping stone in the outside world and how she perceives everything around her.
The Power of Positive Parenting, thus helps in nurturing a loving and caring relationship with your child.
Copyright © 2007
