Positive Parenting: The 'What' and 'Why'

Harsh discipline is woefully ineffective. I wish more parents understand that. It’s important to set limits and stick to them, even punishments, but the encouragement of good behavior and a far more effective motivator. Positive parenting is a style that means raising your child without being unnecessarily forceful or harsh. It means using positive reinforcement to correct behavior instead of abuse or cruel discipline.

You can foster stronger, more robust relationships by interacting positively with your child. As they age, a strong relationship will make curbing bad behavior and disciplining easier. Instead of fearing you, they will trust you. When they’re older, punishments won’t be necessary. You’ll be able to simple talk to your children.

Positive parenting is NOT about letting your child live without limits. This is a common mistake. You have to set boundaries so they grow up to be good and proper people. Positive parenting is about how you respond when they behave inappropriately, and how to be proactive about encouraging good behavior.

Children raised in positive parenting environments tend to fit more easily into most social situations. They are more confidence and accepting of criticism. Most importantly, they are likely to positively parent their children.

You can practice the positive parenting model using these four tips.

1. Encourage good behavior. When you notice your child doing something good, be sure to speak up. Often we’re quick to recognize the bad, but we forget to reassure them when they are behaving properly. If you offer praise, they will seek it out because they know it’s available.

2. Be consistent. A key pillar of positive parenting is to be precisely clear about what you expect. Tell your child outright what you consider acceptable or good. Don’t leave them guessing, just to disappoint you. They can’t be expected to get it right the first time. Be consistent with your requirements and respond every time.

3. Build a relationship. Spend as much time as you can building a relationship. If you don’t have a connection to your children, they will never adjust their behavior for you, even if you heap on the compliments. Become a person they look up to. If you’re constantly aloof, don’t visit, or don’t offer any loving guidance, your opinion won’t matter to them.

4. Understand their feelings. It’s essential that you understand your child’s feelings and emotions. Come up with ways to get them to express themselves to you so you don’t have to assume why they are upset. Even little kids can surprise you will complex emotions. If you are harsh with your children and then learn that they are upset with your harshness, not their poor behavior, you will gain a clue that negative parenting isn’t working.

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Guest blog by Jason Arriola, President of Cardiff Products

Jason is a father of twin boys, husband, and the inventor of the revolutionary Booster Seat Headrest, an innovative headrest for children to sleep comfortably while in the car. The first of its kind, the Booster Seat Headrest features a flexible design that allows for 14 fully adjustable settings to meet the height and comfort needs of users of all sizes. When not in use, it simply flips up for stowage completely out of the way. The padded arms of the headrest feature soft, padded fabric sleeves which are also removable and machine washable for easy cleaning. In addition they offer themed fabric prints allowing you to personalize your headrest to suit your style. Once you see your child sleeping comfortably in the car, you won’t believe you ever drove a mile without the Booster Seat Headrest!

Visit www.cardiffproducts.com for more information and like Cardiff Products on Facebook and click the Giveaway tab to enter monthly giveaways!

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