The journey of parenting most often starts from our personal experiences of growing up, with our behaviours being derived from own parental role models. This role modelling may influence new parents in many ways, positively and negatively, seeking different models or finding their own approach.
Fortunately, with some thought and support, parents can make good parenting choices to meet the needs of their family and child(ren). Being purposeful in parenting suggests an approach that encourages a thoughtful, affirming and positive attitude to guiding a child to reach his or her best potential. We all respond better to positive guidance, and so do children. For example, instead of giving a negative instruction such as ‘don’t run’, one could say ‘lets walk together across the road’. Purposeful parenting requires that parents understand the abilities of a child related to the developmental age, and look for opportunities to be positive towards a child amidst the daily busyness. Let us all as parents learn to be more self aware and gentle with ourselves to be more loving towards our precious children. |