Over the past few weeks we've had lovely conversations with parents and grandparents who are ringing in responses to our Positive Parenting messages.
We appreciate the feedback and enjoy sharing the SKIP resources and messages with you. We're always encouraged by the conversations we have, it's a privilege to share information that strengthens learning on the journey that is parenting.
Like us, children learn through everyday conversations. When we discipline children, we need to ensure they understand the message. We also need to say it in a way that is not vague, confusing or hostile. These messages raise negative feelings that distract the child from what you are trying to tell them.
Research says that disciplinary encounters are a form of teaching - they are how a child learns about the perspective of others.
What parents say to children when they discipline them will influence how effective the discipline is. To be effective the message needs to be clear, sensible and age appropriate. How to be clear: attract the child's attention, direct their attention to the object or topic under question before giving a specific explanation about what is expected and why. Our expectations need to be reasonable - remember that a 1 year old is going to make a mess when eating and a 2 year old will have toilet accidents.
