Understanding Positive Parenting

Positive parenting involves skills used by guardians and parents to bring up a child with the best behavior without being forceful or harsh. From an early stage in life, children are taught how to behave appropriately by exposing them to the repercussions of bad behavior and rewarding good deeds whenever they are done.  The main emphasis of positive parenting is being very clear with your children about exactly what you want them to do.  The parent sets specific and age appropriate rules and boundaries.  It is important that the parent gives the same message every time.  Consistency is key, so that children aren’t confused about what is expected of their behavior.    When a child does follow directions, the parent gives positive praise while making eye contact.  “Catch” your kids exhibiting good behavior and praise them for it when they aren’t expecting you to necessarily be paying attention. 

To get a better understanding of positive parenting, maybe we should explore the three major styles of parenting which include authoritarian, authoritative and permissive behavior.

With permissive behavior, parents give less or no concern about what their children do. Although an attempt is made to make rules, less effort is put into enforcing them. Consequently, the child finds it difficult to differentiate between good and bad behavior. A child brought up in such an environment will have problems adjusting to new environment like schools and social places including playgrounds. Parents in this category hardly appreciate good behavior and will rarely correct bad habits; the child is left to make their own discovery.

In an authoritarian environment, the parent or guardian lays out and enforces strict rules without involving the child. More emphasis is made on the repercussions of bad behavior while good behavior goes unnoticed. Although such parents use severe punishment to correct bad habits, they rarely reward the child when an attempt at good behavior is made. Children brought up in such an environment will either develop a low self esteem or become excessively violent in future.

Authoritative parenting utilizes the techniques of positive parenting. Parents involve their children when making rules and enforce them in positive ways. For instance, a parent rewards and complements the child whenever they behave appropriately. Instead of using punishment to correct bad deeds, parents seize the opportunity to discuss the consequences of such an act with the child. Punishment can be used if bad deeds are repeated but it should not be severe; instead, the parent may opt to deny the child some of their privileges until they reform.

Children brought up by parents practicing positive parenting easily fit into any environment and are generally more confident people.  They grow up with good behavior ingrained in them and are therefore capable of achieving good results in whatever they do. From the lessons given by their parents, such children portray virtues like honesty, integrity and respect. This helps them become better members of the society in future; it is not surprising to find other parents using these children as examples to their own.

Positive parenting also involves a good understanding of your child's personality. Although some children are quick to adapt, some are resistant. Taking parenting courses online at any stage in your child’s youth, will teach you these skills to raise a successful child.  They are low in cost and very convenient as you can take them from the comfort of your own home, with your spouse.  They are available online at any hour of the day and you can drop-in and out of them at your convenience.  Online parenting classes are a beneficial way to increase your understanding of how best to communicate, understand, discipline and raise your children.