Tips for Positive Parenting

·        Provide healthy food, clothing, health care, and a safe home.

·        Monitor children to exercise and get enough rest.

·        Give children love and the right kind of attention.

·        Give children encouragement and support.

·        Share special time with the child on a regular basis.

·        Talk with children often and listen to what they say.

·        Help children explore their interests and monitor TV watching.

·        Praise children when they are good.

·        Don't reward unacceptable or undesirable behavior.

·        Set reasonable and fair limits (rules) and explain the limits clearly.

·        Demonstrate positive values and moral standards.

·        Help children develop self-control and high self-esteem.

·        Use positive discipline instead of physical punishment.

·        Control your emotions and think before you act.

·        Prevent misbehavior by child proofing, changing the setting, giving choices, etc.

·        Focus on "do" instead of "don't."

·        Work with children instead of against them.

·        Recognize children's feelings without accepting their actions.

·        Be calm and consistent.

·         If you show negative behavior, change your behavior right away. Children do watch and imitate parent's behavior. If you swear, your children will do the same.

(Developed by Nina Chen, Ph.D., Human Development Specialist, University of Missouri Outreach and Extension.)

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