No one ever said parenting was easy! As Lionel Kauffman once said, “Children are a great comfort in your old age – and they help you reach it faster, too”. With that in mind, here are 15 positive parenting techniques every parent should know:

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The stresses, rushing and pressures of life can often set our relationships off kilter, and sometimes it takes going back to basics to reconnect with your child.

These positive parenting tips are a great reminder of the most important things we can do as parents.

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15 Positive Parenting Tips

#1. Don’t Forget to Tell Them You Love Them

We so often get caught up in the daily routine, that we forget to tell our children, regularly, that we love them. You are at no risk of spoiling your kids, by telling them you love them, as spoiling is usually the result of giving kids things in place of love.

#2. Criticise the Behaviour not the Child

Easier said than done, we know, and this may require some serious self-control, but try focus on the behaviour instead. When your child acts up, rather than telling them they are bad, tell them their behaviour is unacceptable and suggest alternatives.

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#3. Don’t be Afraid to Say “No”

Don’t be afraid to say “No” and mean it, even if it results in hours of sulking/whining. Don’t back down. Don’t threaten, but then not act. Repeating a warning but not acting gives the child the message that they can continue.

If a child misbehaves, there has to be a consequence. Give a warning, and then, if your child does it again, give an immediate consequence such as a time-out. If they continue, leave the situation.

#4. Try Not to Compare

Hard not to do, but try not compare your children to their peers, and more importantly their siblings. Try not to compare yourself to other parents.

#5. Try to Avoid Rescuing Them

Don’t be too quick to rescue their child from the results of their own actions if the consequences are not severe/dangerous. It’s how they learn! Sometimes you just need to back off.

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#6. Hug Them

We all love a hug, and even as your child gets older, it’s important to make some time regularly for hugs and cuddles!

#7. Keep Listening

In our busy worlds, full of noise, and electronics, need to remember to keep listening. They might be telling you something very important!

Don’t avoid discussing issues such as drinking and drugs and sex. Make it clear to them that you are there to listen any time they need you.

#8. Read with Them

Don’t stop reading with your child. Bedtime stories can tail off when the child learns to read by themselves but reading together gives time for cuddles and you can talk about the story and take it in turns to read.

#9. Avoid Too Much Choice

Try and limit their choices – particularly important with younger kids, as they find it too hard to pick one.

#10. Give Your Child Structure

Children benefit from structure and routine. It’s important to set boundaries about screen time and bedtime and curfew so that kids know the limitations.

#11. Spend Time With Them

Don’t forget to spend time individually with your child. We get caught up in busy family life and sometimes taking an hour with your child alone to do something nice together is a great tonic for both of you.

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#12. Laugh Together

Don’t forget to laugh together! Sometimes being a parent is tough so make sure you have a giggle together now and again.

#13. Say You’re Sorry

Don’t be afraid to apologise to your child, if you do something wrong. It’s really important because it models what to do when we do something we are not proud of or something we regret.

#14. Don’t Lose Your Cool

Another tough one, we know, but one to which we would all like to aspire! Most children respond better to a calm, reasonable request or command. Save yelling for emergency situations when you really need to get your child’s attention.

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#15. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself or Other Parents!

It’s a tough, thankless job – we all want to be the perfect parent, but everyone makes mistakes. Go easy on yourself and others. We rush to criticise ours and other parent’s skills, when we should be just enjoying our time, when our kids really need us!

“The trouble with bringing up children is that by the time you are experienced, you are unemployed.” – Author unknown.

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What are your positive parenting tips you would share with other parents? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!