Parenting is a tough job and the most significant one. Your style of parenting will shape your toddler's entire life. That sounds daunting because it is true. That is why parents must educate themselves about the nuances of parenting while striving to be better and stable caregivers.
One crucial aspect of parenting is raising empowered kids who can be independent, confident, and most importantly fulfilled adults. Talking to OnlyMyHealth’s team, Jyotika Mehta Bedi, Education Guidance and Human Development Expert, shared how ‘Positive Parenting’ can help.
What Is Positive Parenting?
Bedi shared, “The essence of positive parenting is positive psychology, a subjective branch of psychological research that focuses on fulfilment, happiness, and meaningfulness. This style of parenting has been proven to be successful in helping children recognise their skills, strengths and desires.”
She listed the aspects and benefits of Positive Parenting:
- Positive parenting is marked by unconditional support as it fuels the child’s self-esteem.
- It is kindled by the idea that absolute fulfilment and deep satisfaction are a result of discipline and a secure persona.
- The goal of positive parenting is to defend the child’s interests, find their potential, and help them develop life skills by guiding them instead of just teaching them by imposing strict rules.
- Positive parenting encourages children to brainstorm, to help them acquire skills like mental juggling, choice-making, knowing that actions have consequences, and considering possibilities.
Positive Parenting Examples
Now if you are wondering what positive parenting actually looks like, here are a few examples that Bedi listed:
Don’t Acknowledge Bad Behaviour
Parents are often quick to prevent their children from making a mistake. For example, telling them not to run incessantly as it may cause them to fall and injure themselves. Bedi advocated against it, saying, “Ignoring bad or careless behaviour can teach your child about the real outcomes of their actions. For example, if they break and throw their toys, they will be left with none to play with, teaching them to take care of their things.”
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Lead By Example
Children take after their parents. They are silent observers of your behaviour, and are learning things from you even when you are not consciously teaching them. That is why it is essential to be a good example. Bedi said, “If you act calmly under pressure, your child will do the same. If you have a bad temper, your child could pick the same habit.”
Teach Them Decision-Making
Teaching your kids to be self-reliant is a major step towards raising independent, confident, fulfilled adults. To help them learn how to make decisions, Bedi shared an example, “Give your child choices like “What do you want to do? Put your coat on first or your shoes. Or which shoes do you want to wear today?"
Don’t Negotiate With Your Toddler
Try to avoid saying anything like, "If you behave, I will buy you that toy you want". Otherwise, you will create a 2-year-old whose good behaviour will always come with a price tag.
Also Read: Study Suggests Protective Parenting Is Beneficial For Kids To Avoid Health Problems
Bedi concluded that at the end of every discipline session, it is important that you tell your children that you love them, and you are there to support and guide them. Expressing affection and understanding towards your child lies at the centre of Positive Parenting and is a crucial aspect of raising confident, secure, and happy adults.