Introduction
Positive parenting is about bringing out the best in your child by listening and understanding, praising and encouraging their efforts, noticing and rewarding good behaviour and doing things together that you both enjoy. This starts at the beginning of your relationship with your child.
It is easy to point out where a child is going wrong even when trying to be helpful and forget to notice when things are right. Attention and praise from parents is one of the biggest motivators for children:
- Children need to feel secure, loved and valued - this is the basis of self-esteem and confidence. With younger children set boundaries. With teenagers remember that you are in charge. Even if you only get a grunt, don't give up on communication
- Noticing and rewarding good behaviour is the best way of influencing your child's behaviour
- Be realistic about what you expect from your child. Encourage good friendship and outside interests
- Parents and carers need to work together to be consistent
- Listen carefully and talk to your child, help them make choices - it's good to talk
- Do things together with your child that you both enjoy. Be involved and develop a good relationship with your child before they reach their teens. Adopt a healthy lifestyle - have fun!
Also ask your GP or health visitor for advice.
To contact your local young mums' group or parent and toddler group call the children and young people information service on 01454 868008 and to find out about parent support groups search the 1 Big Database website available in the 'Other websites' section on this page.
Helpline telephone numbers
Off The Record: 0800 389 5551
Eating Disorders Association: 0845 634 7650
Young Minds: 020 7336 8445
Parentline Plus: 0808 800 2222
For further advice and information please visit the 'Other websites' section on this page.