How Effective is Positive Parenting

I was subjected to strict discipline when growing up and it was a struggle. In my adolescent years, I recall being told to be quiet since I was too young to speak up and express my opinion about some issues. I recall feeling quite unfairly treated when some decisions that immediately affected me at home were not always explained. I was also instructed to follow my parents’ instructions rather than how they behaved themselves.

Being a mother, I can say that I am beginning to see the benefits of positive parenting. In addition I studied psychology, which has made me realize a lot of things about both myself and the people in my life. Recent advancements in parenting research have also demonstrated that we need to adopt new approaches to raise our young relatives. My catchphrase whenever I think back on and talk about how we were raised with others is “They didn’t know any better.” Given the circumstances and the limited access they had to resources like parental advice and mental assistance, our parents were doing the best they could.

How to implement positive parenting?

I learned about this idea via a global online community of parents who shared their parenting experiences, perceived wrongdoings, and requests for advice and support. Although I was unaware of the parenting approach’s actual name, I came to the realization that I was often trying to embrace it through modest behaviors.

The fast-paced lifestyle we currently inhabit makes it difficult to practice this technique. Being constantly stressed out from work and life in general makes it difficult to pause and reflect before behaving. Additionally, it is difficult to put into practice since we would continually be trying to break bad habits, unlearn old parenting techniques, and take on new behaviors. We are creatures of habit, therefore changing requires a lot of time and energy.

But I think we can improve our parenting skills by persevering and never giving up, much like an athlete improves their performance through practice and dedication. However, what exactly is Positive Parenting built of and how does it work? Why is discipline not the best parenting strategy?

What can I do to be the greatest parent I can be?

Being a parent involves a journey. Friends with teenagers tell me they are still figuring out how to approach the project as they mature with their children. Different difficulties arise at various stages of development, and as parents, it would be good to be prepared and knowledgeable in advance so that we can support our children more effectively. Although there is no prescribed textbook to use, it is undoubtedly a learning experience.

Everyone wants to raise a child who will grow in a happy, accountable, and respectable adult. Before they can truly engage in these behaviors themselves, children must first be exposed to them. Therefore, if I as a mother demonstrate that I have a very short fuse when my child wants to tell me something, that is what they will respond to when I ask them a question or when another adult attempts to ask them a question.

How can we help kids make better behavioral decisions? Positive parenting techniques for adolescents

If I see that my child is acting defiantly, it would be beneficial for me to pause, consider their developmental stage, respond to their needs, and guide them appropriately. What message is the behaviour expressing in addition to the behaviour that is manifesting, and how can I help them make better decisions?

Instead of being authoritarian and forceful, I would do this by modelling listening, understanding, and cooperation. The behaviour will alter internally, and it will persist longer.

It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your own behaviour during the day. I need to take a deep breath, stop myself, and alter my language and non-verbal cues whenever I catch myself raising my voice to ask for something or to get someone’s attention. Although it may appear mechanical, it is a really effective technique to change our behaviours and advance as a person. We all make mistakes, and it’s okay if we don’t always get something right. That sets the example that it’s acceptable to make a mistake, ask for an apology, and attempt to do better the next time. Let’s excuse ourselves and seek for forgiveness. When we lose it and yell at our child, we may feel ashamed of ourselves, but admitting our error would be the first step in making the necessary change.

How can I describe my efforts to raise my child to others?

You might notice that your parents are still employing the same positive parenting techniques they did when they were raising you decades ago while your child is visiting their grandparents. And you might think that the methods you are using with your child are the exact reverse of these ones. How then do you approach telling them that you don’t like their approach?

You might begin by modelling the positive parenting techniques you want your parents to employ with your child. They might not know any better, so refrain from criticizing or attacking them personally because changing old habits and adopting new ones takes time, support, and patience.

Saying things such, “We don’t shout in our house, that won’t stop the behaviour,” are acceptable arguments. “Yelling or fighting will not assist anyone in the long term. It is ideal that we communicate with the children and try to understand where the behaviour is coming from,” or “We address things and move on to how we wish to improve the behaviour.” Then you exhibit the same constructive behaviour with your child in front of your parents so they can witness it in action and once again enjoy a calm home.

At first, they might object, then they might make mistakes once more, but eventually, things might start to work out, and they might even come to realize the advantages of positive parenting. They’ll see that reprimanding and threatening the child does not make them stop misbehaving. Instead, it will stop the youngster from loving themselves and may exacerbate the inappropriate behavior. Additionally, it might lead to later-life issues including depression and low self-esteem.

Positive parenting pays off!

You will get the benefits of positive parenting, I guarantee it. Watch your kid show kindness to others, practice assertiveness to achieve what they want, and develop a strong bond with their sibling. Should you decide to take this adventure, assistance is available. Online resources are abundant and simple to use. However, I believe that the finest resource is friends and other women who are traveling the same path; by supporting one another and sharing our experiences and stories, we can all benefit from going through the parenting process in a positive and fulfilling way. Good fortune to you! You can complete this.

Here are few certified therapists who you can get in touch and book a therapy session with:

Elaine Tarsh

Laura Dee

Natalie Mills