Parenting is something that molds the base of a child’s future. There are different styles that parents can use for parenting their children. Choosing one of the parenting styles out of many that exist can be a difficult task, but parents should keep in mind to only choose the parenting style that will help the child not only in childhood, but also in the future. This blog post will help us understand the influence of positive reinforcement in parenting and the importance of use of different parenting styles for the nurture of children.
1. Understanding Parenting Styles
The choice of a great parenting style, while parenting, is one of the most important elements that define the interaction between parents and their children. There are different parenting styles that parents can use for parenting, which can include the authoritative parenting style, in which parents hold the maximum authority, punishment, in which children’s undesired behaviors are acknowledged and they are punished for these behaviors, permissive, in which children are given the freedom of being themselves. So, while parenting it should be kept in mind by the parents to choose the parenting style that promotes and encourages positive reinforcement.
2. The Importance of Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement basically means to acknowledge and point out the behavior of the child that the parents liked, and rewarding them on these actions. On the other hand, parenting styles such as punishment over unwanted and undesired behaviors, focuses only on such behaviors. So, it is better to use the former parenting style, as it promotes positive reinforcement. Using this parenting style makes children aware of their self-worth and motivates them to be confident.
3. Setting Up A Positive Connection
Positive reinforcement helps the parents to create a strong bond between themselves and their children. Parenting with this parenting style is not only fun but also encourages children to perform the actions that are ethical and are liked by their parents. Parenting like this also helps a lot in creating a great connection between parents and children. This type of connection fosters a sense of security, making the child more receptive to guidance and nurturing.
4. Shaping of Character Positively
Just like sponges, children absorb the behavior, attitude and habits that they encounter or observe around themselves. Positive reinforcement helps to mold their character by highlighting the importance of kindness and responsibility, taught to the children through proper parenting. A proper parenting style also teaches and grooms a child to be empathetic and to have strong communication and decision making skills.
5. Navigating Challenges Effectively
Parenting can not be done without facing any challenges. However, using positive reinforcement as a parenting style allows parents to acknowledge problems in an encouraging way. As this parenting style is about focusing on the children’s desired behaviors, instead of being aggressive in challenging situations, parents can show their children a desired alternative. As discussed before, another benefit of using this parenting style helps the children in being good decision makers
Implementation of Positive Reinforcement
1. Consistency is Key: Positive reinforcement should be consistent, as this parenting style creates a strong framework for a child’s character. So, keep in mind to ensure consistent praise for desired actions while practicing this parenting style
2. Specification with Praise: To make the children understand what behavior you liked the most, highlight it rather than being generic with praise. It will encourage them to repeat the actions you want.
3. Encouragement of Self-Evaluation: Children should be taught to reflect on their actions. This helps them to understand positive values and gives them enough freedom to make better choices.
4. Use of Materialistic Rewards: Verbal praise is really important for children, but giving tangible rewards occasionally will certainly encourage the children to mold into the character you desire.
Conclusion
So, we can conclude that in a variety of parenting styles, positive reinforcement may be the best one, as it not only acknowledges the praiseworthy actions of the children but also gives them enough confidence to repeat these actions. Celebration of the good things done by the children, creates a socially and emotionally happy environment where children can grow to be themselves. Furthermore, this parenting style can be used for parenting by generations to generations, as it is not only simple but also really effective.
