Parenting can be a deeply rewarding yet demanding experience. Every child and family is unique. Moreover, parenting philosophies and styles differ. Regardless of their unique approach, if parents apply positive guidance strategies, children tend to behave better. Here are some of the important aspects of parenting that children tend respond well to, according to parents:
- Parental modeling of morals
- Logical and natural consequences
- Freedom to make choices
- Loving and nurturing relationships
- Clear expectations that allow for change and adaptation, as needed
In this post, we will discuss positive guidance strategies that can help you as you raise your children.
Teaching independence
It’s important to help your child develop a sense of autonomy and independence. Parents can involve children in some decision-making that affects them directly. For example, parents may ask children in which room they’d like to play, or whether they prefer to eat out or have dinner at home on a given evening.
Parents can also help foster an increased sense of independence and healthy separation by encouraging children to make choices on their own.
Knowing when to praise children
It’s important that when we praise our kids, we do so appropriately and effectively. One of the most common mistakes we make as parents is offering praise for every single thing they do. For instance, it is appropriate to praise children when they complete their homework without any prompting from parents. However, it may seem insincere if parents tell their children that they are “so smart” every time they complete a task.
It’s also important to remember that not all children are motivated by praise. In fact, some kids may even become resentful towards their parents if they suspect they are only receiving praise by appeasing their parents.
It’s important for parents to use effective praise when possible. For example, you may recognize kids for making good choices. Remember to acknowledge the specific behavior when praising.
Consistent Discipline
When parents are inconsistent with their discipline techniques, it can lead to a variety of difficulties. For instance, let’s imagine that a parent puts a screaming child to bed early after screaming for more than ten minutes. If the parent occasionally gives in and lets the child stay up late, the child may learn that there are times when crying yields desired results. As a result, children learn they can scream even more in the future to get what they want.
Additionally, inconsistent discipline can lead to general anger and frustration from children, as they are often at a loss about how to behave.
For these reasons, it’s essential for parents to implement a set consequence for a specific behavior. For example, if parents decide that screaming will result in going to bed early, they must follow through with this consequence each time their child screams. If the child misbehaves in another way, parents need to come up with a different consequence for that behavior.
Let children learn from their mistakes
It’s vital that children are given space to learn from their mistakes. Parents can allow children to experience natural consequences for their actions, or simply let kids think about the situation before discussing it.
For example, if children leave their toys on the floor, you might establish that they have to pick them up before they can continue playing. Also, if older children stay out past their curfew, the consequence may be that they can not go out next time. While this may be difficult to resist, it’s important for parents to avoid jumping in right away because we don’t want children to feel they are being punished for simply making a mistake. Mistakes are an important part of learning and development. However, it is also important for parents to be ready to step in to offer guidance and support, or when natural consequences don’t lead to change in the future.
Conclusion
Positive guidance strategies are essential for parents to implement because they establish a positive dynamic between parent and child. Furthermore, these strategies are beneficial for children of all ages, as they help nurture a healthier and more positive relationship between kids and their parents, as well as other relationships in their lives. Parents need to implement these strategies and discipline consistently so that children can learn how to behave appropriately.
In addition, it’s important for parents to give children space to learn from their mistakes. Implementing these strategies consistently will result in children who make positive choices and adhere to adult expectations, which allows parents to trust their children to make good decisions as they grow.
If parents consistently implement these strategies, children are more likely to follow rules and display respect to those around them.
At Wee Care Preschool, we dedicate ourselves to early education. We offer a variety of programs that guide children toward making good decisions and learning discipline. For more information, contact our center today.
