10 SIMPLE POSITIVE PARENTING HACKS

"One generation full of deeply loving parents would change the brain of the next generation, and with that, the world." — Charles Raison

Parenting is one of the most rewarding things in our lives – but we know it can be hard, too, right? We parents have the responsibility of teaching our children positive behaviors and ways of thinking. And this is where positive parenting comes in.

Positive parenting is about raising children in an environment where they are encouraged to explore, think for themselves, and make their own decisions. Research shows that positive parenting yields positive outcomes in terms of a child’s behavior and emotional growth.

From thedatingmaven, your best-loved children’s clothing online store, we have a number of parenting tips, tricks, and tactics for you that can make the process a breeze!

Here are our top ten positive parenting hacks which will help you encourage more positive behavior in your kid.

Read more about the benefits of positive parenting at:

https://thedatingmaven.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-positive-parenting/

 1. FOCUS ON THE REASONS BEHIND THE BEHAVIORS

So, your child just threw a titanic tantrum over a trivial matter. Frustrating, isn’t it?

Remember – there’s always something motivating a child’s negative behavior. This could be a desire to get your attention, an inability to manage their big feelings, or something else entirely.

Your challenge as a parent is to figure out what’s really behind that frustrating behavior. Ask your child questions and get to the core of the problem. Once you identify the root cause, you can pre-empt the outbursts from happening in the first place.

This excellent article talks in detail about understanding the ‘why’ behind children’s moods and behavior:

https://thedatingmaven.com/@monikaobermeier/understanding-the-why-of-childrens-behaviour-df471c370f38

 2. POSITIVE ATTENTION IS KEY

Kids need attention! And if they don’t receive positive attention from you, they may seek out negative attention. This is because for children, any attention is better than being ignored.

Positive familial interactions make for improved, more trusting family relationships. So, keep your interactions upbeat, even if your child is struggling with behavior issues.

As your kid’s behavior improves, you can start addressing the smaller problems. But ensure that most of the communication between you is warm and affectionate – and not focused on your child’s wrongdoing. Love and care are the greatest teachers.

Learn more about how positive attention can help your little one:

https://thedatingmaven.com/positive-attention-reduces-behavioral-problems-1094784

 3. GENTLE DISCIPLINE, NOT PUNISHMENTS

It’s common to enforce some form of punishment when kids are acting up. However, studies show that often, negative consequences do not stop bad behavior habits, nor do they teach good ones.

It’s important to be flexible and creative when disciplining. A positive parenting approach focuses on teaching the appropriate behavior rather than punishing the unwanted ones. A non-punitive and positive response is much more effective in settling an agitated child and engaging them to learn appropriate behavior.

To know more about why punishments don’t work, check out this informative article:

https://thedatingmaven.com/post/why-punishment-doesn-t-work-and-what-does

4. SET CLEAR LIMITS

We expect certain behavior from our kids – but can we expect them to read our minds? It’s important that parents help children understand clearly what’s acceptable and what’s not.

Sit down as a family and have an involved discussion on the rules in your home. The goal isn’t just to recite a set of rules, but rather to explain the rationale behind them, and to address any questions your child may have.

Let your little one know what the consequences will be if they break the rules. Rules should be fair, few, simple to follow, and positively stated.

Check out this blog to learn more about setting limits for children:

https://thedatingmaven.com/importance-setting-limits-child

5. FIND WAYS TO SAY YES

We can be really quick to say “no” to our kids, can’t we? But a large part of being a positive parent is finding ways to say “yes” more often, and avoid the negativity of a “no”.

The problem with saying “no” is that it can fuel resentment and resistance in kids. It can also trigger feelings of hopelessness, making children feel they lack what it takes to improve.

So, if your little one wants to do something that’s a complete no-no, don’t be dismissive or condemnatory. Help them find acceptable alternatives via meaningful discussions and negotiations.

Read further on the benefits of saying yes at:

https://thedatingmaven.com/blog/the-power-of-saying-yes-to-kids/

6. REFRAIN FROM QUICK REWARDS

Surprising, but true – children don’t need rewards to behave appropriately. Rewards may sound positive, but the truth is that they actually do more harm than good.

Parenting is a marathon, not a sprint. When making discipline decisions for your kids, keep your long-term goals in mind. Rewards are ineffective in the long run, because they only offer short-term gains with instant but short-lived gratification.

Additionally, research shows that children who are rewarded actually lose interest in the activity they’re being rewarded for, like practicing piano, reading, doing their homework, etc.

Here is a great article that explains in detail how rewards may not be the best option while parenting:

https://thedatingmaven.com/news/rewards-dont-work

7. MASTER THE ART OF DISTRACTION

What’s a magician’s best trick? The art of distraction! And this skill can work magic in your parenting too.

Positive parenting often takes the form of distracting children from engaging in unwanted behavior. Ordering kids to stop isn’t very helpful by itself. They may be overwhelmed by feelings of outrage or defiance, or they probably don’t know how to stop.

If your little one is doing something undesirable, take quick action to provide an alternative activity. If you actively engage them in a diversion, you make it easier for them to discontinue adverse behavior.

This blog has some excellent tips on distraction techniques for kids:

https://thedatingmaven.com/toddlers/behaviour/behaviour-management-tips-tools/distraction

8. CATCH KIDS AT BEING GOOD

As parents, we’re constantly alert for any negative behavior in our kiddos. However, it’s also a great positive parenting technique to be on the lookout for good behavior too.

Some parents feel that it’s wrong or unnecessary to commend kids for staying on track, that good behavior is something to be taken for granted. But research shows that when offered simple praise for being good, children experience fewer subsequent behavior problems.

Children respond more readily to rewards and praise than to punishments. So when your little one puts away a toy or cleans their room on their own, applaud them for good behavior!

Read more about praising kids for being good at:

https://thedatingmaven.com/effects-of-praise/

9. USE HUMOR TO MOTIVATE

We all know it – laughter is the best medicine! And it’s a great technique to use when trying to wean your kiddo off undesirable behavior.

If your child is on the verge of a temper tantrum or acting up, jokes and silliness can serve as excellent distractions. But they are also essential tools of diplomacy. You’ll get a lot more cooperation from your little one if you communicate your requests with humor, and transform work into play.

For instance, if your kid leaves their dirty laundry lying around, try making it into a fun game of toss-the-laundry-into-the-hamper!

Want to learn more about using humor as a parenting technique? Read on:

https://thedatingmaven.com/2019/02/04/using-humor-in-discipline/

10. KEEP YOUR COOL

As we know, our children learn the most from observing us. And a crucial part of positive parenting is to keep your own behavior under control before tackling theirs.

Understandably, parents are often drained and angered by their kids’ unruly behavior. Before you interact with your child, take a moment to compose yourself to prevent overreacting to their transgression.

If you can calm yourself down and speak in a respectful and firm way, your child learns to handle anger and disappointment appropriately.

For tips on keeping your cool, check out this helpful blog:

https://thedatingmaven.com/how-to-keep-your-cool-as-a-parent-1603673190

 Being a positive parent helps you become more sensitive to your children’s needs, development and temperament. With patience, persistence and some practice, you can turn disciplinary moments into valuable lessons for kids, and raise happy children in ways that reflect your family values and beliefs.

Parenting can be tricky, and at thedatingmaven, your favorite trendy children’s clothing brand, we recognize and applaud what a stellar job you’re doing each day. And with the right tools, we believe that you can truly become the parent you’ve always dreamed of being.

Sending love from Be Kind blogs. Happy reading.