How to Be a More Positive Parents

Whether you are the parent of a baby or a teenager, we can all agree that parenting is a challenge! It can be wonderful one day and then exhausting, stressful and overwhelming the next. 

• How can I get my baby to sleep through the night?
• How can I get my teenage daughter to stop talking back?
• Why won’t my toddler stop throwing toys?

We are always searching for ways to change our child’s behavior; to make our children fit into a mold that works for us. However, this method rarely works and we are faced with crying babies and sassy teenagers.

What if we stopped trying to change our kids and instead, changed ourselves? What if we changed our parenting styles and parenting philosophies? What if we chose to view parenting through rose-colored glasses? What if we decided not to take everything so seriously?

We can adjust our thoughts and feelings about the struggles of parenting and become calmer and more positive parents. In making a few small changes, we’ll actually enjoy our children more, and better yet — our child(ren)’s behaviors will follow our lead. Here are a few small changes that will produce a stronger relationship between you and your child(ren).

Re-think Your Perception of the Problem

Think of something your child does that drives you crazy or upsets you. Does your toddler’s high pitch shriek get under your skin? Does your baby throwing food make you want to yell? First, think about what your child is getting out of this behavior you consider “bad.” Is it your attention? Or is it a reaction? A negative reaction from a parent is good enough for a kid who is trying to get any attention. Your angry reaction is only keeping the behavior going.

Secondly, think about why the behavior is bothering you so much. Are you embarrassed in front of others? Have you decided it is a “bad” behavior because it is something adults do not deem acceptable? Most of these behaviors may be annoying, but they are developmentally appropriate and not hurting your child or anyone else. The less you stress about them, the sooner they will come to an end. 

Lower Your Expectations

Sometimes, we forget that our kids are just kids! Having expectations that are not age-appropriate for your children will only set them up for failure and give them reasons to disappoint you. Do you expect your child to have proper table manners, to sit for long meals, or greet all your friends and relatives? Teaching your children these “adult” behaviors and modeling them will encourage your children to do them, but keep your expectations in check, especially if your child has not napped or is hungry.

The holiday season is a time when these unwanted behaviors come out because kids get overwhelmed by big gatherings or eating and sleeping at different times. Some kids are more introverted or shy and feel uncomfortable talking to adults. If you lower your expectations, there is less room for frustration.

Remind Yourself the Phase Will Pass

Can you remember the horrendous first weeks home with a newborn? You were not sleeping, feeding a tiny being every 2 hours. For most parents, that stage felt like it would never end, but it did, and so will each phase. If your 12 hours a night solid sleeper just started waking up at 3 am or your veggie-loving kid will only eat macaroni and cheese, remind yourself that most undesirable behaviors are phases — with endings.

If your child’s concerning behaviors continue for a while, talk to your pediatrician.