Positive Parenting Resources

We know that parenting can be hard, and that’s why OnLiteracy is here to help make it easier for you and your family. Here are just a few proven “positive parenting” tips and tricks to make you and your child’s day even better.

RESPONDING TO BIG EMOTIONS

  1. Set a firm boundary without yelling. For example, telling your child in a controlled voice: “Don’t hit. It hurts when you hit.”

  2. Acknowledge the feeling. For example: “I see that you’re frustrated, but it isn’t okay to hit others.”

  3. Find emotional release. For example: “I see that you’re frustrated, but it isn’t okay to hit others. When we’re frustrated, we need to use our words to let others know. Sometimes we even need to step away to calm down. Would you like to sit with me for five deep breaths?”

  4. Model the behavior. Your child will match your calmness.

CATCHING GOOD BEHAVIOR

Take a few moments this week to try out this great positive parenting tip: catching your child doing good behavior. Instead of being on the lookout for bad, easier-to-spot behaviors, try to concentrate even more on expressing appreciation for your child’s good behavior. This can help reduce power struggles and can work just as well as catching not-so-good behavior.

 

To Decrease These…

Acting aggressively

Acting impulsively

Disobeying

Interrupting

Lying

Catch These…

Being careful and gentle; keeping hands to self; making safe choices

Being patient; concentrating; thinking things through

Cooperating; following directions; listening right away

Letting others talk; saying, “excuse me”

Being honest; telling the truth right away