Raising children is a hard and emotional experience. The decisions you make as a parent will affect your child as he grows up. According to Kids Health, it is important to use positive parenting methods to raise a child that is happy, healthy and self-confident. Just as positive parenting helps you raise happy children, negative parenting can have adverse effects on your children as they grow up.
Discipline
Discipline is one of the most important parts of being a parent. According to Kids Health, the discipline methods you use can have a long-term effect on your child. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you should not spank your children because it can be humiliating and does not often send the message you are trying to send. Positive discipline strategies, such as time outs and parental modeling of appropriate behavior, often are more successful because your child is able to make the connection between his behavior and the consequences. Your child also can connect his good behavior with positive outcomes. Positive discipline methods are respectful to your child and have more chance for long-term success.
Quality Time
Spending time with your child is an important part of being a parent, according to Healthy Children. Setting aside time regularly to spend with your child sends the message to your child that she is important and that you care about her. As your child grows, she will continue coming to you, and you will be able to form and maintain a relationship built on mutual trust and respect. Spending time together also encourages your child to talk to you about important issues and helps you convey your family values. Children who do not spend quality time with their parents will seek attention from other people, who might not be good influences.
Self-Esteem
Children with a healthy self-esteem are more likely to be happy and better able to meet the challenges that they have as they grow up, according to Kids Health. Positive parenting practices can promote a healthy self-esteem. Praising your child for his efforts and accomplishments sends the message that you support him no matter what. Modeling a healthy self-esteem by not cutting yourself down also encourages your child to see himself as a good person. Creating a loving and respectful home provides a safe haven for your child when he is upset and experiencing difficulties. Children who are criticized, not supported and not respected are not as likely to develop a healthy self-esteem and will suffer the long-term effects of feeling bad about themselves.
