Positive parenting is the continual relationship of a parent(s) and a child or children that includes caring, teaching, leading, communicating, and providing for the needs of a child consistently and unconditionally. Providing recognition for desirable behaviors increases children’s self-efficacy and the likelihood of engaging in prosocial, healthy behaviors. The child is reacting in a way that supports positive development by fearing and avoiding perceived dangers. While fear of monsters does not reflect a truly dangerous situation, avoidance of individuals who appear mean or aggressive is certainly in the child’s best interest.

Alshugairi, N., & Lekovic Ezzeldine, M. (2017). Positive parenting in the Muslim home. Irvine, CA: Izza Publishing.

The notion of parenting a toddler can frighten even the most tough-minded among us. This probably isn’t helped by terms such as ‘terrible two’s,’ and jokes like “ Having a two-year-old is kind of like having a blender, but you don’t have a top for it” (Jerry Seinfeld, goodreads.com). Supportive parenting was associated with more positive school adjustment and fewer behavior problems when the children were in sixth grade. Moreover, supportive parenting actually mitigated the negative impact of familial risk factors (i.e., socioeconomic disadvantage, family stress, and single parenthood) on children’s subsequent behavioral problems (Pettit et al., 2006). Therefore, the father might instead deal with this situation by calmly telling her that she needs to stop or she will get a time-out. The time-out can take place somewhere in the store that is not reinforcing for her, such as a quiet corner with no people around (e.g., no audience). Or they can go sit in the car. Wir Eltern sind auch nur Menschen, unsere Mittel sind begrenzt. Unsere Kraft ist nicht unerschöpflich. Doch wenn wir bestimmte Verhaltensweisen einfach vorleben, ist manche Arbeit schon ganz nebenbei getan. Go-Parenting lässt auch Raum für intuitive Entscheidungen, die von der Über-Eltern-Community geächtet werden. Weil wir nicht perfekt sind und es auch mal Pizza mit Pommes geben darf. Und wenn es uns das Leben auch nur für eine Millisekunde leichter macht, dann her damit. Multiple positive outcomes among children, such as secure parental attachments, and better cognitive and social development

Another way of thinking about the role of positive parenting is in terms of resilience. When children—including those who begin life with significant disadvantages— experience positive and supportive parenting, they are far more likely to thrive. Teaching and leading promote children’s confidence and provides them with the tools needed to make good choices.

Local advice centres

Phifer, L., Sibbald, L., & Roden, J. (2018). Parenting toolbox: 125 activities therapists use to reduce meltdowns, increase positive behaviors & manage emotions. Eau Claire, WI: PESI Publishing & Media. Here are some noteworthy examples; including those which target specific risk factors, as well as those with a more preventative focus: There are various mechanisms through which positive parenting promotes a child’s prosocial development.

Overall, by taking a good look at positive parenting strategies that work for raising healthy, happy kids; it is evident that positive parenting styles encourage a child’s autonomy by:

Liable, D., Gustavo, C., & Roesch, S. (2004). Pathways to self-esteem in late adolescence: The role of parent and peer attachment, empathy, and social behaviors. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1314&context=psychfacpub Such caregivers might include biological and adoptive parents, foster parents, single parents, step-parents, older siblings, and other relatives and non-relatives who play a meaningful role in a child’s life. In other words, the term “parent” applies to an array of individuals whose presence impacts the health and well-being of children (Juffer, Bakermans-Kranenburg & van Ijzendoorn, 2008). Nurturing (Birth to 18-24 Months): In this phase, parents build strong bonds with their child and learn to balance the baby’s needs with their work, relationships, social life, and household responsibilities. Steinberg, L., Elmen, J. D., & Mounts, N. S. (1989). Authoritative parenting, psychosocial maturity, and academic success among adolescents. Child Development, 60, 1425-1436.

David, O. & DiGiuseppe, R. (2016). The Rational Positive Parenting Program. Cham, Heidelberg, New York, Dordrecht, London: Springer.Ammaniti M., Speranza A., Tambelli R., Muscetta, S., Lucarelli, L., Vismara, L., Odorisio, E., Cimino, S. (2006). A prevention and promotion intervention program in the field of mother-infant relationship. Infant Mental Health Journal, 27:70-90. Supports children and young people, and their parents and carers, including with mental health problems. Carers Trust