Parenting Tips

Father embrasing his small child

Develop Effective Parenting Skills

    • Be calm and remain in control of your emotions.
    • Refrain from shouting and quarrelling.
    • Do not inflict physical or emotional injuries.
    • Do not compare children.
    • Deal with the immediate problem.
    • Do not dwell on the past.
    • Not every infraction you need to action.
    • Try to send positive messages.
    • Engage in positive re-enforcement.
    • Have a positive outlook.
    • Praise the child when he/she does well.
    • Discuss with your child the behaviour you expect and why.
    • Let the child know the consequence of breaking rules or bad behaviour.
    • Follow through on consequences.
    • Have an open mind to different approaches working with your child
    • Set aside time each week to have fun in a relaxed environment with the child.
    • Take time for yourself to recharge your batteries.

When Should Punishment Be Used?

  • Always use the least harmful form of punishment possible.
  • Take time to define and measure the behaviour problem.
  • Select one behaviour at a time.
  • Punishment should be given immediately following the inappropriate behaviour.
  • Be consistent.

 

A child receiving a reprimand