Everyone always talks about good parenting, but this is easier said than done. When you’re struggling to juggle work, cooking and cleaning, having a social life, plus looking after the children, you will become overwhelmed and irritable. This often results in some regrettable parenting choices which you feel guilty about for the rest of the week. To help parents who need to find ways to manage their stress levels and their kids, we’ve written this article as a guide. Read on to find out our tried and tested techniques for supporting your children that genuinely work.
1.) Positive/Negative Reinforcement
In the mind of children, any attention is good attention. This leads them to engage in anti-social behaviours, just so they can elicit a response from you. By telling your child off for misbehaving, you are inadvertently reinforcing their anti-social activities – especially if you weren’t paying them attention before. Instead, parents should ignore their children whenever they start throwing a tantrum. Don’t get this confused with neglecting your child or allowing them to continue misbehaving. Eventually, once they realise they won’t get a response from you, they’ll stop. Conversely, parents should go out of their way to engage with positive behaviour. If your children see they’re being ‘rewarded’ with attention whenever they’re good, their attitude and relationship with you will significantly improve. Of course, you should always intervene whenever your child is putting themselves or others at risk with their behaviour.
2.) Listening
If you want to show someone you value them, you listen to them. This is especially true for children. It will do wonders for their self-esteem and way of being if you simply lend an ear and engage whenever they speak. Don’t interrupt them or get impatient, telling them how they should or shouldn’t be feeling. Instead, show them unconditional acceptance. Provide them with a safe space to express negative emotions like anger or sadness. This will you’re your children become well-adjusted in the future, plus a lot more open and honest with you.
3.) Helping with School
Schooling is one of the biggest parts of your child’s life. Just like adults and their work, children will also return from school with the baggage they’ve collected over the day. Once again, it’s important to encourage your kids to talk about their experiences at school and listen to what they have to say. You also need to support them with their homework. Every child and parent dreads this, but it’s a necessity. So, remember – be patient. If your child is getting angry with you, it’s because they’re stressed. Leave the second they become verbally or physically abusive. For those struggling with motivation, you can also help your child with these tricks. By aiding them with schoolwork, you’re significantly relieving their stress. Just don’t disempower your child. Help them learn to help themselves.
These are some of the best parenting techniques for supporting your children. It’s important to build a good relationship through positive reinforcement, active listening, and assisting when needed.
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