You’ve always dreamed of being a parent, and the time has finally come.
No matter if you grew up in a loving and stable environment or if your primary caretaker wasn’t as involved as that role should have been, there are characteristics and life lessons that you chose to carry with you when you had a child.
There may be things that you picked up on that you’re absolutely going to use or do with your child. There may also be things that you told yourself you’ll never do. You may have also learned about some tools or techniques online, in books, or in podcasts.
Let’s learn more about what it means to practice positive parenting.
What is Positive Parenting?
Positive parenting is exactly what you may think it is based on the name. Positive parenting means that the parents will make sure that their children’s needs are met on a regular and consistent basis, as well as making sure that they’re cared for. This form of parenting also means that the parent is properly communicating with their children as well as teaching and leading them.
Gottman’s Five Steps
The Gottman Institute conducted research on what the impact of positive parenting may be on children. As a result of the research, they developed a five-step plan or program for parents. These are the five steps in Gottman’s plan:
- Emotional Awareness
- Connection
- Listening
- Naming emotions
- Finding solutions
Characteristics of Positive Parenting
Other researchers came up with other words to describe positive parenting. These include the following:
- Affection
- Boundaries
- Caring
- Celebrates accomplishments
- Choosing to recognize the positive over the negative
- Consistent
- Emotional security and warmth
- Empathy
- Empowering
- Has the best interests of the child in mind
- Guiding
- Mindful of a child’s stages of development
- Non-violent
- Nurturing
- Open communication
- Leading
- Sensitive to your child’s needs
- Teaching
- Unconditional love
How to Implement Positive Parenting
There isn’t one way to implement positive parenting. There are many different approaches that parents or primary caregivers can take when it comes to positive parenting. The most important thing to remember is to recognize, reinforce, or reward any positive interactions. Let’s learn more about some of the different ways you can work towards emphasizing and encouraging positive behaviors.
Put Yourself in Your Children’s Shoes
Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes can help you see things from their perspective. Try putting yourself into your children’s shoes. This can help you better understand how your child may be feeling during certain events. They’re trying to navigate different daily situations and scenarios just like you’re trying to do in your personal and work life. Once you better understand how they’re feeling, you can better help them.
Make 1:1 Time
Making time with and for your children should involve giving them your full and undivided attention. In today’s world, it can be easy to be distracted by calls, texts, emails, messages, and house chores. Try to put your phone away and focus on the present moment. Have your child help you with dinner, read to them before bed, color, doodle, or play with them.
Take Care of Yourself
Your children pay attention to you a lot more than you may think. You have to ensure you’re taking care of yourself so they can follow in your footprints. Your children may have the ability to pick up on your different emotions. This includes being angry or stressed. Ensure you’re taking care of yourself so your children don’t feel anxious.
Next Steps
Are you interested in learning more about positive parenting? I can help! Reach out to me today to set up time to chat about Parenting Coaching.