Effective parenting

There are 6 things children need to grow up to be happy, capable adults. Thank you to S.K.I.P. for providing this information.

Love and warmth

Be warm and loving, give lots of praise. Say lots of positive things and try to avoid saying negative things.

Talking and listening

How you talk to your children and listen to them is important.

Talk with your children as much as you can and listen to what they say to you. Be realistic about what they can and can’t do. For example, you can’t expect a one year old to eat without making a mess or a two year old to sit still for a long time.

Talking to them in simple language they understand helps them learn.

Guidance and understanding

Talk to your children about how their behaviour affects others. This encourages social responsibility. Be clear about what you would like them to do and not do and the reason why.

Limits and boundaries

Children need to know and understand the rules and limits, and it helps their acceptance if rules are ok for their age, fair and positive. Have as few rules as possible and stick to them.

Consistency and consequences

Be consistent; words and actions need to match. Don’t tell them one thing and then do another. Try to respond in the same way to your child’s behaviour each time. Give consequences that are reasonable, related and respectful.

A structured and secure world

Think about things you can do to structure your child’s world. For example, don’t try taking them to the supermarket when they’re tired and hungry. Make your house childproof and be consistent with routines.