Helene Goldnadel on Positive Parenting in Child Rearing

In parenting circles, positive parenting has become a buzz topic these days, and it's one topic that has several meanings depending on who you're talking to. Positive parenting, to most people, refers to the kind of parenting wherein positive behavior is encourage and rewarded by the parents, with the parents effectively communicating with their kids. However, it's also important for parents to deal with behavior problems in their children and correct those problems. Even this, however, can be done in a positive way. In this article, Helene Goldnadel a life coach discusses a few positive parenting strategies you can use.

As a parent, you'd be tempted to try to solve of your child's problems yourself than see your child suffer. Very often, however, it's a good idea to let children come up with their own solutions. But when making a mistake will put your child or others in serious danger, that's when you should step in. Unless the circumstances are extreme, let your child see or experience the consequences of his or her actions. It can be simple activities that pose a challenge or dilemma to your child, such as solving puzzles or assembling a toy. You don't want your child to get into the habit of relying on you for everything. Your child needs to develop problem solving skills on their own. It's important to correct inappropriate behavior, but you should avoid doing so in a way that criticizes the child directly. You should focus on the behavior that's inappropriate and you need to communicate to your child as best as you can as to why that particular behavior is inappropriate. Explain to your child why studying harder is important if for example he or she scores very low on a test. What you should avoid, however, is calling your child names or saying that he or she is "bad" or "stupid." Your child needs to know why you have set certain rules and that you expect him or her to abide by those rules. Avoid labeling your child negatively because this only reinforces the undesirable behavior. Your focus should be on correcting the undesirable behavior of your child, not criticizing your child.

Adequate rest and sleep is needed by children so they can be healthy and well-behaved. Young children in particular need regular naps as well as a good night's sleep.

Enforce a bedtime for the kids that is reasonable and no matter what, never allow your children to stay up past this time. Sometimes consuming too much sugar or caffeinated beverages can interfere with a child's sleep, so be aware of their diet. There are studies indicating rest and sleep are inversely correlated to problems in learning and behavior in children. If children get less rest and sleep, they tend to have more learning and behavior issues. You can try applying these positive parenting methods today. Expect to face many difficulties along the way, as it's not an easy thing to be a parent. Your job can be a tad easier if you make the effort to communicate with your child, making sure you reward good behavior.