Top tips for parents

If you are a parent, you will no doubt be fully aware that it is hard work and that a little bit of help never goes awry, no matter what the age of child. As parents of older children always tell new parents: “the difficulties don’t go away, they just change”. Not very reassuring perhaps.

However, there are some simple ways of helping you to bring up your children. Here are some top tips on how you can help them grow to be confident, resilient and emotionally healthy. You will gain too as a confident healthy child will bring you even more joy.

Listen up!
When your child wants to show you something, stop what you are doing and pay attention to your child. It is important to spend frequent, small amounts of time with your child doing things that you both enjoy.

Touch
Give your child lots of physical affection – children often like cuddles, holding hands, having a nurse, a pat on the back, and piggy back rides.

It’s good to talk
Talk to your child about things he/she is interested in and share aspects of your day with your child.

Praise
Give your child lots of descriptive praise when they do something that you would like to see more of, e.g. “Thank you for doing what I asked straight away”.

Play!
Children are more likely to misbehave when they are bored so provide lots of engaging indoor and outdoor activities for your child, e.g. colouring pens, cardboard boxes, dressing up clothes etc.

Teach (and learn!)
Teach your child new skills by first modelling the skill yourself, then giving your child opportunities to learn the new skill. For example, model speaking politely to each other in the home. Then, prompt your child to speak politely (e.g., say please or thank you), and praise your child for their efforts.

Be Clear
Set clear limits on your child’s behaviour. Sit down and have a family discussion on the rules in the home. Let your child know what the consequences will be if they break the rules.

Stay Calm
If your child misbehaves, stay calm and give them a clear instruction to stop misbehaving (e.g. “Stop fighting; play nicely with each other.”) Praise your child if they stop. If they do not stop, follow through with an appropriate consequence or use quiet time or time out.

Be Realistic
Have realistic expectations. All children misbehave at times and it is inevitable that you will have some discipline hassles. Make an effort to find out about what strategies are effective with your child.

Take Time for You
Look after yourself. It is difficult to be a calm, relaxed parent if you are stressed, anxious, or depressed. Try to find time every week to let yourself unwind or do something that you enjoy.

These tips were provided by Triple P – the Positive Parenting Programme. For more information visit: www.triplep.net

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