Positive Parenting: Raising Good Humans

A parent has the responsibility for good upbringing of their children. The parenting style to a large extent influences the future of a child, shapes his or her behavior and determines how well prepared the child is to realize his or her full potential and become the best persons and adults they are meant to be. Loving household Love and support your child Appreciate your child. Listen to and notice your child. Meet the specific needs of your child these include physical needs and emotional needs for love and care. When you fail to provide these basic needs, you are neglecting your child. Loving your child unconditionally doesn’t mean you have to say yes to everything they demand sometimes you cannot afford it and at other times you should not. Explain to the child when you cannot. Provide loving and supportive household environment to ensure your child’s good mental health. Be a good example Set an example.  Be a good role model to your child. Be an example of the kind of person you want your child to become. Love your wife and set good example for your child. When there is a misunderstanding, resolve it early and in a healthy way. It will help you raise a good problem solver. Household responsibilities Teach them to gradually participate in and learn basic household responsibilities. Establish family routines and structure. Teach your child to do household chores early and create fun doing this. Raise each child to be a well rounded person. Raise each child to be the best of them self. Life values According to studies, it is believed that a child’s personality is fully developed before age six. Teach moral values that will guide them and help shape their lives and future. Help your children imbibe honesty, fairness, kindness, politeness, discipline, hard work, determination and respect everyone. Create your own set of family values and paste it where everyone can see it. Morals molding them to do what is right in every situation. Bring up disciplined, compassionate, respectful and responsible children. Teach them positive values that will resonate throughout their journey into adulthood. Discipline your child Discipline firmly and positively. Teach your child to behave well. When your child behaves badly, correct the child firmly. Set boundaries.  Set clear limits. Have clear and consistent rules your child should follow and provide consequences. Let your child know what is expected of them, what will not be tolerated and what will be appreciated. Connect with each child Each of your children is unique, special and different. Acknowledge and appreciate each child’s uniqueness. Highlight and focus on your child’s strength. Help each child be the best of them self. Avoid comparisons.  Celebrate differences.  Help your children care, respect and support each other.   Encourage your child to talk to you about everything that you will listen attentively, calmly counsel, rebuke with love, guide and direct. Know how their day went, do not presume anything, make them feel heard and understood. Be present Be there for your child. Show interest and participate in activities that are meaningful to him or her. Get to know your child’s friends. Honour school invitations, know the teachers, and do not leave your child unsupervised especially after school hours. Appreciate and praise your child’s achievements. Be his or her number one fan. Spend quality time with your child Create ways to spend quality time with your child. Play with your child. Have fun family activities. Have dinner together. Use it to know the day’s happenings. Make it positive and happy. Allow your child express their feelings and needs. Children these days face tremendous pressure due to the social media. They are bombarded with all kinds of negative media. Guide your child, build their self esteem. Know where your child is and who they are with. Teach conflict resolution Let your children witness positive conflict resolution with your spouse. They will understand that differences can be resolved peacefully.  Communicate effectively with your child. Do not yell at your child, rebuke sharply, criticize or put him or her down. Learn to manage your emotions, control your emotions around yourchildren. Do not take your problems out on your children. Discuss problems calmly. Find the root problem. Do not allow violent acts or hurtful words. Never hit your child or any child in anger. Do not hit your child in public. When a complaint is made about your child, listen to his or her side before responding. When your child makes a wrong choice, disapprove of the behavior and help your child handle such situation differently in future. Listen to his or her explanation before disciplining. Hear your child out before you discipline. Do not exert power or control over your child. Never be over bearing but use your parental authority to guide and correct. You will know when to give your child choices, how to support him or her in decision making and behaving appropriately. Teach them to be compassionate towards each other, resolve their misunderstandings and fights and not hold on to grudges. Teach your child to love God Help your children know and love God. Help them imbibe spiritual uprightness. Pray for your children.