Positive Parenting Tools and Programs

Positive parenting is a recent development in child rearing, but also an important idea. Children look to their parental figures for guidance on how to deal with the rapidly changing world. It is important to discipline our kids, but in a positive manner.

Sounds like an oxymoron right? Well, teaching children about responsibility and the same time, boosting their self-esteem will be an important tool in later years, especially when tweens and teens have to face ever growing fears of bullying, when they have access to various sorts of media, and have parents in the workforce. Many of these issues effect the ability to handle stress and pressure. 

Youngsters' self-esteem has been linked to the amount of time parents spend with them. This is a tough one considering the every day tasks and worries thrown our direction on a regular basis.

It is important though, because as positive parenting guru Deb Godfrey states, “If we don’t give our child Genuine Encounter Moments throughout the day, he/she will often start to misbehave. Negative attention in a child’s mind is better than being ignored.”

Non-profit organization, The Child Therapy Institute, located in downtown San Rafael offers a Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) which “uses proven solutions that help solve current parenting problems and prevent future problems before they arise,” aimed at helping parents become positive role models and at the same time, remaining firm in child rearing.

Triple P suggests simple routines and small changes that can make a big difference to your family. It helps parents understand the way the family works and uses the things one might already say, think, feel and do in new ways that:

• Create a stable, supportive and harmonious family.
• Encourage positive behavior in your child.
• Build positive relationships with your children, so that conflict can be resolved.
• Plan ahead to avoid or manage potentially difficult situations.
• Take care of yourself as a parent.

It’s important to consider these ideas. After all, if we as parents are not the ones to teach our children to be strong, proud individuals, who else will? Let it always be known we love them and give them choices, but at the same time, stick to your guns and be firm! For more information on the Triple P offered from The Child Therapy Institute call (415) 456.7724