Positive Parenting – You’ve Got this!

Looking for some positive parenting tips? Let me share with you my story…

This weekend I was chatting to my daughter while I was doing some filing and she found one of my diplomas and results. As she picked up my results she commented on the one C I got, “what happened here mom” she said, but no mention about the other 5 A’s. I must be honest I was a bit speechless. Why was she so focused on the only C, is that what I do with her? Is this the mindset I have taught her? Why do we as parents focus so much on what our children do wrong or can’t achieve that we completely miss out on all the things they can and have achieved?

As the last school term is about to start, I’m reminded how hard the 4th term usually is on our children. It’s the home stretch to a new grade and they all want to end the year with their best efforts. It’s a stressful time for both children and parents and sometimes a negative attitude can enter the home.

I have a challenge for you…

So, I have a challenge for you as a parent. End this year with a positive attitude, try and find the positive in everything they do. Focus on the good marks and the dedication and hard work they give to achieve their best, even if that means their best might only be 50%. Try and give 3 positive comments for 1 negative comment even when they are being downright defiant and lazy. You might be surprised about the outcome and how it changes their outlook on their work and their behaviour towards you and their future.

Now I’m not saying, kiss ass, I’m just trying to remind you that although they are going to make you lose your sh*t 10 seconds after you’ve given them a positive comment, your duty as a parent is to not give up on them. They need to know that you are a constant force in their life and that this will not change, the way their moods and marks do, but that you will be there for them in the good times and the bad and that your love is unconditional.

Lastly just remember, if you have achieved this at the end of the term or not, let the focus be that you tried just like they did and be cognizant of the fact that we don’t always come out on top and that’s OK.

The Ongoing Process of Positive Parenting

Positive parenting is an ongoing committed relationship between parent and child where you teach, lead, communicate and have mutual respect. It builds a healthy bond between a child and parent and children are more motivated to do what is right. Also, they are more optimistic about life and in the end choose the correct behavior. It’s difficult being a positive parent all the time and we make a lot of mistakes along the way. But we can only try again and have the chance to parent better next time. Your approach to positive parenting is an important tool for molding your children into confident and happy children for the future. Your child’s growth and personal development starts at home. Research shows that there are so many benefits if we practice positive parenting.

How can positive parenting help a child’s self-growth?

• Gives them a sense of security – a sense of knowing you are always there for them
• Helps them with self-worth – they are proud of who they are
• Boosts their self-esteem – they have a positive attitude about themselves
• They feel loved – you give them time and care
• Teaches self-control – teaches them to control their feelings
• They feel accepted – makes them feel special

8 Positive parenting tips to try:

• Be a role model – show them the best version of you
• Have boundaries – be consistent in setting boundaries
• Treat them with respect – mutual respect is a must between parent and child
• Make eye contact – show them your time is theirs
• Show affection – let them know that you love them unconditionally
• Be sensitive – show them that their feelings matter to you
• Communicate with them – be approachable so that they will come to you with problems
• Nurture them – encourage them to be the best version of themselves

              “Behind every child that believes in himself is the parent who believed first”               – M Jacobson.

So how did you like this article and our positive parenting tips? please share your article if you liked it. Do share your personal positive parenting tips in the comments section below.