Eisenberg, N., Zhou, Q., Spinrad, T. L., Valiente, C., Fabes, R. A., & Liew, J. (2005). Relations among positive parenting, children’s effortful control, and externalizing problems: A three-wave longitudinal study. Child Development, 76(5), 1055–1071. On one hand it’s great that they’ve used the original illustrations inside, and have had Ruth Palmer do her wonderful imitation of Eileen Soper’s work for the cover. Another way of thinking about the role of positive parenting is in terms of resilience. When children—including those who begin life with significant disadvantages— experience positive and supportive parenting, they are far more likely to thrive. If you need extra support, your local authority may be able to provide social care. You’ll need a social care needs assessment to access this. Along with emotion regulation, there are many other ways in which positive parenting encourages a child’s positive development and self-growth.

Children of divorce are at increased risk for mental health, emotional, behavioral, and relationship problems (Department of Justice, Government of Canada, 2015). Centers for Disease Control (2014). Positive parenting tips. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/ McCready, A. (2012). If I have to tell you one more time…: The revolutionary program that gets your kids to listen without nagging, reminding, or yelling. Los Angeles, CA: TarcherPerigee.Image-making (Pregnancy): During this stage, parents prepare for the arrival of their baby. They also start forming mental pictures of how their lives will change and how they will handle the responsibilities and challenges of parenthood. Cline, F., Fay, J., & Cline, F. (2019). Parenting Teens with Love & Logic. Retrieved from http://hopelbc.com/parenting%20teens%20with%20love%20and%20logic.pdf Beavis, A. (2007). What about brothers and sisters? Helping siblings cope with a new baby brother or sister in the NICU. Infant, 3(6), 239-242. As you can see this week I decided to read Five Go Parenting. You might be wondering why given my scathing review of the only other one I’ve read before now (namely Five On a Strategy Away Day). But, this and a few others, also unread, have been sitting on a shelf in my hall for at least four years now. I knew it would be a short read and something to review, so I braved it. Webster-Stratton, C., & Reid, R., (2013): Long-term outcomes of incredible years parenting program: predictors of adolescent adjustment. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 16(1), 38–46.

Parents are never alone. Whatever the problem or degree of frustration, there is a whole community of parents who have faced the same issues. Not to mention a ton of positive parenting experts with effective solutions. You and your child may be entitled to support from children's social care services. This would be in addition to support from adult social care services. The local authority will need to assess your child’s needs to decide if they’re entitled to support. Ebejer Petertyl, M., & Chambers, J. (1997). Seeds of love: For brothers and sisters of international adoption. Grand Rapids, MI: Folio One Pub.Interpretive (5 Years – Adolescence): During this period, parents should teach their children empathy and sympathy, how to read different perspectives, interpret people’s behaviours, and respond appropriately. Children at this stage of life are navigating through self-learning, their likes and dislikes, and challenges like peer pressure, bullying, comparisons, and establishing roles within a group of friends. Parents at this stage play a crucial role in helping their children navigate these challenging social situations. Prepare for Peace: McCready describes several ways to teach conflict resolution skills that help to avoid further issues between siblings. Generally speaking, there are many aspects of positive parenting that nurture children’s self-esteem; creativity; belief in the future; ability to get along with others; and sense of mastery over their environment. If you’re finding it hard to cope and need support, let people know as early as you can. Try not to wait until you feel like you’re in crisis.

Altiero, J. (2006). No more stinking thinking: A workbook for teaching children positive thinking. London, United Kingdome: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Arrange for Attention: Make sure each child has plenty of regular intentional attention so that they will be less inclined to fight for it. Amato, P. (2000). The consequences of divorce for adults and children. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 62(4), 1269-1287.In her book Positive Discipline (which is free online and includes worksheets for parents), Durant (2016) notes the importance of respecting a child’s fears and not punishing her/him for them, as well as talking to the child in a way that shows empathy and helps him/her to verbalize feelings. Durant proposes that one of the keys of effective discipline is “… to see short-term challenges as opportunities to work toward your long-term goals” (2016, p. 21). Juffer F., Bakermans-Kranenburg M. & Van IJzendoorn M. (2008). Promoting positive parenting: An attachment-based intervention. New York: U.S.A.: Lawrence Erlbaum/Taylor & Francis. Positive parents raise their children in a way that empowers them to reach their full potential as resilient and fulfilled individuals. Positive parents are warm, caring, loving and nurturing— and so much more: They are teachers, leaders, and positive role models. They are consistent and clear about expectations. They know what their kids and teens are doing. They encourage and reinforce positive behaviors. They make family experiences a priority. They support their children’s autonomy and individuality. They love their children unconditionally. They engage in regular, open dialogues with their children. They are affectionate, empathetic, and supportive. They understand that their teenagers still need them. Gershoff, E. (2013). Spanking and child development: We know enough now to stop hitting our children. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cdep.12038 Moreover, the message she receives from the candy tactic will not reinforce the qualities the father likely wants to see in his daughter over time, such as:

There are differences in children’s temperament and other aspects of personality, as well as family demographics, that affect their ability to cope with divorce. But, for present purposes, let’s focus on the aspects of the divorce itself since this is the area parents have the most power to change. Considering the many positive parenting solutions and resources currently available, parents can approach their role as teachers, leaders, and positive role models with confidence and optimism. And, ultimately, by consistently applying positive parenting strategies; parents will experience a deep and meaningful connection with their children that will last a lifetime. ? The father, who may really need to get the shopping done, is likely to shrivel and turn crimson as his fellow shoppers glare and whisper about his “obnoxious child” or “bad parenting.” He, of course, tells her to stop; perhaps by asking her nicely, or trying to reason with her. Positive parenting practices such as quality communication, parental monitoring, and authoritative parenting style also have been found to predict fewer risky behaviors among adolescents (DeVore & Ginsburg, 2005).

Positive Parenting Through Divorce

Gottman has reported that children of “emotional coaches” benefit from a more a positive developmental trajectory relative to kids without emotional coaches. Moreover, an evaluation of emotional coaching by Bath Spa University found several positive outcomes for families trained in emotional coachings, such as parental reports of a 79% improvement in children’s positive behaviors and well-being (Bath Spa University, 2016). Kersey, K. (2006). The 101 Positive Principles of Discipline. Retrieved from https://ww2.odu.edu/~kkersey/101s/101principles.shtml