Positive Parenting
February 10th, 2010
By Jackie Pearson, LMFT, Parenting Topic Expert Contributor
Click here to contact Jackie and/or see her GoodTherapy.org Profile
Parenting is not a role we play, it is a relationship process. If we can get our heads and hearts around that idea, the more we can decide how we want to treat our children as we are raising them. And we must first think about what long-range goals we have for them, rather than just what works for the moment. For example, hitting them might stop a behavior at a specific moment in time, but it does not teach self-control or self-discipline, which are attributes everyone wants to instill in their children.
It is important to separate your children from their behavior and make sure that you give those expressions of love to the child while not condoning misbehavior. Hug them for no reason and say “I love you,” and not because they are so good and wonderful. but just because they are who they are. That is what is meant by unconditional love—to love someone just because they exist, not because they perform in a certain way. I heard one person say that when we are loved with conditions, we become “human doings,” rather than human beings.
So often when we discipline children, we shame and guilt them rather than setting boundaries on their behavior. Our words cause confrontation rather than encourage cooperation. Some parents belittle and berate children when they are just acting their age. The paradox is that the more we criticize them, the more we create the very personality characteristics that annoy us. It is good to ask ourselves if what we are about to say to our children we would also say to someone else’s. Also, to ask ourselves, “If I talk to my friends the way I talk to my children, how many would I have left?” The answer to that question can be a wake-up call as to how we are relating to our children.
What is discipline? The root word is “to disciple,” which means “to teach” or “to train,” which is an educative model rather than a punitive one. Teaching and training in a respectful manner maintains the relationship with the child while setting limits and guarding precious self-esteem. That is what we are to be to our children—role models. We can’t expect them to be better than we are. We must model respect and then insist upon it from them. Notice that I didn’t say demand it. I don’t buy into the old adage that some of us were raised with that said, “Don’t do what I do, do what I say.” Neither do I believe that children should be allowed to run wild and rule the family. Where is the balance? It is in adults who act like adults and model respect, set clear limits, and give lots of love.
Now for something practical: Jane Nelsen in her book Positive Discipline talks about the phrase as soon as. This phrase is particularly effective when you want your child to do something s/he doesn’t want to do. It is a nonthreatening motivator: “As soon as you pick up your toys, we can read a story.” “As soon as you are dressed we can go to the park.” “As soon as your room is clean we can go to the mall.” It is “said in a tone of voice that indicates you will withdraw from the situation until the requirements are met. You should then become unconcerned and let the child experience the consequences of his or her choice. If you do not become unconcerned, it will become a power contest no matter what words you use,” says Nelsen.
When used in a similar context can have the same effect: “When all the homework is done, then you can watch your hour of TV.” Even young children who have inaccurate perceptions of time can understand the sequence of “as soon as” or “when . . ., then . . .” This is a way to turn a potential power struggle into a cooperative effort.
When giving a directive to your child, sound like you mean it. Don’t ask them to “please” do something. Make a clear statement such as, “It’s time to clean up the toys. I want you to come inside for dinner now. “
©Copyright 2010 by Jackie Pearson LMFT, therapist in Laguna Hills, CA. All Rights Reserved.
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Comments
I love giving out those “just because” hugs and loves. I know those are the ones that my kids love the most.
It takes more than just spending money for your child to be a good parent…many people are of the view that treating their children like robots by instructing them to do every little thing they want it to be is being a good parent. But it definitely ain’t so.
although I agree that we should be strict with our kids and also in disciplining them, it should not reach a point where they are scared of us…this would only be harmful for their development and growth…it would put them under a shadow of fear and not let them be free.
Parenting goes ia long way in sculpting a child’s personality and it is extremely important because almost all of a personality is shaped in childhood and that in turn depends on the values the parents impart and their behavior with the children… the role of a parent is not an easy one but is surely a very powerful one :)
Before I had children of my own I did not realize the power of words and looks. I know that if I give the wrong look then my kids will break down into tears so we just have to be so mindful of those things once children are involved. It is one thing to reprimand in a positive way, but to shatter who they are is wrong. Parenting is a tricky area, where you want your kids to do the right thing but sometimes it is difficult to get them to choose that path. But most of all it is about always showing them that you love them even when they make wrong choices, and giving them the support that they need to make it through even the toughest times.
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