POSITIVE PARENTING
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Positive Parenting It is a philosophy based on the positive discipline method created by Jane Nelsen and used by schools and many families in the world that focuses on the positive points of behavior. It is based on the idea that there are no bad children, just good and bad behaviors. Good behavior can be taught and reinforced while weaning the bad behaviors without hurting the child verbally or physically.
People engaging in Positive Parenting are not ignoring problems. Rather, they are actively involved in helping the child learn how to handle situations more appropriately while remaining calm, friendly and respectful to the children themselves.
This philosophy includes a number of different techniques that can lead to a more effective way for parents to manage their kids behavior, or for teachers to manage groups of students. Positive behavior support (PBS) is a structured, open-ended model that many parents and schools follow. It promotes positive decision-making, teaching expectations to children early, and encouraging good behaviors. Positive Parenting is in contrast to traditional and negative discipline, that can involve angry, destructive, humiliation or violent responses to inappropriate behavior.
FIVE CRITERIA FOR POSITIVE PARENTING
- 1. Is Kind and Firm at the same time.
(Respectful and encouraging)
- 2. Helps children feel a sense of Belonging and Significance. (Connection)
- 3. Is Effective Long-Term. (Punishment works short term, but has negative long-term results.)
- 4. Teaches valuable Social and Life Skills for good character. (Respect, concern for others, problem-solving, accountability, contribution, cooperation)
- 5. Invites children to discover how Capable they are and to use their personal power in constructive ways.
The Positive Parenting is aimed at developing mutually respectful relationships. By teaching adults to employ kindness and firmness at the same time, and is neither punitive nor permissive.
THE TOOLS AND CONCEPTS:
- Mutual respect. Adults model firmness by respecting themselves and the needs of the situation, also kindness by respecting the needs of the child.
- Identifying the belief behind the behavior. Effective discipline recognizes the reasons kids do what they do and works to change those beliefs, rather than merely attempting to change behaviours in a surface manner.
- Effective communication and problem-solving skills.
(Is nat permissive nor punitive).
- Focusing on solutions instead of punishment.
- Encouragement (instead of praise). Encouragement notices effort and improvement, not just success, and builds long-term self-esteem and empowerment.
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CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS MODEL:
- Teaching adults and students through experiential activities. Creating opportunity to practice new skills and to have fun learning by doing.
- Classroom discipline programs and parent education programs that are consistent. Parents, teachers, and childcare providers can work together to provide a secure, consistent environment for children.
- Inexpensive training and ongoing support, so members of communities can teach each other Positive Discipline skills.
