Positive Parenting Zone
Being a parent can be challenging. Parents and caregivers need to set limits for kids in safe and healthy ways. When you are here or at home, you can practice positive parenting in the following ways:
- Praise, nurture and guide your child.
- Let him know you love him no matter what he does.
- Listen to him and accept his feelings.
- Praise good behavior.
- Be consistent.
- Set positive, daily routines.
Use discipline that works
Physically disciplining your child by spanking or hitting is not effective; try one of these methods instead:
- Distraction: Try to redirect your child's attention.
- Provide immediate and logical consequences for behavior.
- Offer choices: Point out unacceptable behavior and offer an alternative.
- Time-outs: Use time-outs to help him cool down.
- Sticker charts: Encourage positive new habits and stop hard to break ones with a sticker chart
- House rules: Agree on rules and discipline as a family.
- Whatever you do, wait until you are calm to discipline your child!
Your child learns by watching you
- Be a good model; manage your anger.
- Pay attention to your body and signs of growing anger.
- Cool down by exercising; taking deep breaths; walking away; talking to a partner, friend or relative; or by writing down your feelings.
Our hospital's staff does not condone negative parenting behaviors including:
- Hitting
- Using angry language with your child
- Or other forms of corporal punishment
For more information, contact Family Services Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 773.880.4485.