| 1. As a parent, you are responsible
for your child's physical safety and emotional well being. There is no
one right way to raise a child. Parenting styles vary, but all caregivers
should agree on expectations for your child. |
| 2. Many good books are available
in libraries or at bookstores on developmental stages, constructive problem
solving, discipline styles, and other parenting skills. The following suggestions
are not meant to be complete. |
| 3. Do your best to provide a safe
home and community for your child, as well as nutritious meals, regular
health check-ups, immunizations, and exercise. Be aware of stages in child
development so you don't expect too much or too little from your child. |
| 4. Encourage your child to express
his or her feelings, respect those feelings. Let your child know that everyone
experiences pain, fear, anger, and anxiety. Try to learn the source of
these feelings. Help your child express anger positively, without resorting
to violence. |
| 5. Give your child encouragement,
not just idle praise. Examples of encouragement might be “You didn’t
give up when things got tough for you. I call that real persistence,”
or “That’s a tough problem. I believe you’ll figure out a solution.
You’ve done that before.” |
| 6. Promote mutual respect and trust.
Keep your voice level down - even when you don't agree. Keep communication
channels open. |
| 7. Listen to your child. Use words
and examples your child can understand. Encourage questions. Provide comfort
and assurance. Be honest. Focus on the positives. Express your willingness
to talk about any subject. |
| 8. Are you setting a good example?
Look at your own problem-solving and coping skills. Seek help if your child's
feelings or behaviors overwhelm you or if you are unable to control your
own frustration or anger. |
| 9. Encourage your child's talents
and accept limitations. Set goals based on the child's abilities and interests
- not someone else's expectations. Don't compare your child's abilities
to those of other children. |
| 10. Celebrate accomplishments. Appreciate
the uniqueness of your child. Spend time regularly with your child. |
| 11. Foster your child's independence
and self-worth. Help your child deal with life's ups and downs. Show confidence
in your child's ability to handle problems and tackle new experiences. |
| 12. Discipline constructively, fairly,
and consistently. (Discipline is a form of teaching, not physical punishment.)
All children and families are different; learn what is effective for your
child. Show approval for positive behaviors. Help your child learn from
his or her mistakes. |
| 13. Love unconditionally. Teach
the value of apologies, cooperation, patience, forgiveness, and consideration
for others. Do not expect to be perfect; parenting is a difficult job. |
|
| The above information was
provided by the Child Welfare League of America. For more information
on positive parenting, visit their website at http://ww.cwla.org/positiveparenting |
Post Office Box 1706