General Tips for Effective Parenting
Structure
- It is
important for children to have structure and rules so they know what is
expected of them. There are five important benefits of discipline.
1. Promoting
positive behavior and
self-control can demonstrate structure to a child.
2.
Structure helps encourage self responsibility.
3.
Having structure will help protects
and strengthen a child's self-esteem.
4.
Structure can also help advance development
5.
Structure strengthens the parent-child
relationship.
What to Structure...
- Bedtime routines
- After school time
- Dinner time
- Weekend outings
- Etc.
Skills and
Qualities for Parents
Role Modeling
Children learn more about
behavior by watching adults than in any other way, so be a good example
for your child and be honest with your mistakes.
Attention
Catch children being good.
Children repeat behaviors that get attention, and stop behavior that
gets
no attention.
Effective Communication
Will facilitate an honest
realtionship if you are open with your child, and the ability to be
clear in what is expected out of the child.
4 Positive Parenting Tips & Techniques
1. Play time
- Play
is a natural way for a parent to help their child stay healthy as well
as develop cognitively and socially.
2. Discipline Techniques
- Effective Discipline:
- Is consistent
- Teaches the child rather than punishes
- Is proactive rather than reactive
- Uses natural consequences to behavior when possible
- Shows kids that they always have choices (that are
appropriate or inappropriate)
3. Communicating with Young Children
- Get to
eye level with your child
- Always
maintain eye contact and require your child to do the same
- Stay calm
- Use the
fewest amount of words to convey your message
4. Building Your Child's Self-Esteem
- Don't call your child names (even ones you think aren't
harmful)
- Focus on your child's strengths and tell them about it
- Use hugs and kisses to show how much you care
- When things go wrong, focus on the behavior and not the
child
- Remember that kids are watching you to be an example for
them
Links and Resources
Books
The Parents Handbook:Systematic Training
for Effective Parenting
(1997)
by: Don
Dinkmeyer Sr.,
Gary D. McKay, and Don Dinkmeyer Jr.
Good & Angry: Exchanging Frustration
for Character in You and Your Kids (2002)
by: Dr.
Scott Turansky
and Joanne Miller
Websites
Created by Jeremy Jewell, Ph.D., Alecia Casagrande, & Jill Turnage
