Parenting

Parenting styles come in all shapes and sizes. There is no right or wrong way to raise your child because every child is different. Becoming a parent is so nerve racking to me because where do you begin? This week in class I learned about some helpful tips to fit into any parenting style.

When raising children it is important to Encourage them rather than Discourage them.

Here are some ways we can encourage children:

             Encourage

• Build Strengths
• Show Confidence
• Value the Teen/Child as is
• Stimulate Independence

Here are some things we want to avoid doing:

           Discourage

• Focusing on Mistakes and Weaknesses
• Expecting the Worst or Too Little
•  Expecting Too Much
• Over Protective

There are three parts to a Parent Child Relationship. The parts are Warmth, Consistency, and Strictness. Children need warmth so they know you care about them and have their best interest in mind. The warmth creates an open environment so the child can easily communicate. Consistency is good for children because they know what to expect. Strictness is important, but it is also important to make sure that it is not over done. Children are learning so they need firm boundaries so they can learn in a safe environment. The objective for parenting is not to manipulate or control children.

The best way to teach children is by Natural Consequences. Think back to when you were a child about something that you learned. You probably didn't learn it because your parents yelled at you or gave an amazing lecture. Natural Consequences let the child learn on their own. This helps them remember and learn better because it's not something you just told them not to do. There are instances when letting Natural Consequences teach children is not a good idea. 

When You Don't Allow Natural Consequences to Teach

• Consequences are too dangerous
• Consequences are too far in the future
• Consequences impact other

Parenting is always going to be full of ups and downs. It is important to remember that there are many who are going through what you are going through. There are so may sources to help you. You are not alone.