Gentle parenting, attachment parenting, authoritarian parenting, and even helicopter parenting – there are so many approaches and styles relating to how children should be raised.
While each one does contribute something to the table, parents can also be left confused as to which one is best for their kids.
Is there really one definite parenting style that comes on top of all these?
The answer is a definite no.
Parenting is a lifelong responsibility—not a task with strict boxes that one can check off.
Instead of focusing on “what type of parent” you are, the smarter questions to ask are: What are the values I want to teach my kids? How do I teach them said values while enriching my relationship with them?
One good example of an approach that can fulfill these needs is the use of positive reinforcement.
According to PositivePsychology.com, this approach is focused on rewarding good behavior. Positive reinforcement has always been considered a classic and effective way of parenting because not only does it amplify what’s already good in children, but it also highlights the good sides of parents as caretakers.
Despite its perks, positive reinforcement can have its limitations if not applied well. For example, how do you use it when your child does something that needs correcting?
One can put a special twist on the use of positive reinforcement by highlighting the good parts of a situation first before directing the kid’s direction to what could have done better.
Take this example: Your child has a big holiday project that’s due on Monday but he or she was only able to remember it late Sunday. As a result, parents had to rush in buying the materials needed for the assignment, making an otherwise relaxing weekend a bit more stressful.
Instead of going directly to the fact that your child forgot an important project, work upwards by talking about the positive part of the situation first: “I appreciate your honesty in telling me that you’ve forgotten about your assignment. It’s nice to know that you feel comfortable opening up to me about things like this instead of being scared. I hope this becomes a good learning experience for you to always remember your school activities in the future. That way, you and I wouldn’t have had to rush in completing your project and enjoyed our Sunday in a more relaxed way.”
Alternatively, this approach is something that parents themselves should also apply to their mindsets. Especially with the holiday season fast approaching, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and stresses that Christmas brings.
Share a bonding moment with your children that’s fit for the holiday season. Start a new tradition by making them help create their favorite snacks. Some examples of easy and tasty recipes to try are the Strawberries Cream Shake and Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream cold treats using Nestlé Temptations.
To prepare the Strawberries Cream Shake, simply blend a cup of Nestlé Strawberry Yogurt with a few scoops of Nestlé Temptations Extra Creamy Strawberries and Cream Ice Cream. Garnish with real slices of strawberries if you have any in your fridge.
For the Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream bowl, simply prepare banana slices and use them as toppings over a few scoops of Nestlé Temptations Extra Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream. Drizzle with peanut butter and chocolate kisses for that extra flair.
(Give in to your holiday temptations by giving yourself and your kids your well-deserved rewards with Nestlé Temptations. Just visit your nearest grocery store to check out the other flavors that you can enjoy. You can also follow Nestlé Temptations’ official Facebook and Instagram pages for updates and promos on their products this holiday season.)