Welcome to the legendary father of wisdom blog!: Parenting!
My name is Samuel M Lee, and I was the leading figure of wisdom for 18 years. This is a website that is ran by your donations!
The role of the parent
It is evident that parents exert a significant influence over their children's lives, from encouraging participation in schoolwork and sporting activities to modelling values as the child grows. It is important to recognise that children tend to emulate their parents' behaviour rather than being influenced by their words (see Bandura, 1977). However, they are not the only influencers who exert a tangible influence on the young; this is especially the case once children begin attending school and interacting with the wider world.
While it is widely acknowledged that parents strive to provide their children with optimal conditions for development, it is equally crucial for parents to acknowledge that children are born with distinct temperaments, personalities, and life goals. While it is true that parents may wish to encourage their child to pursue a particular path, the primary responsibility of parents is to provide an interface with the world that ultimately prepares a child for complete independence and the ability to pursue whichever path they choose.
In a rapidly changing world, the practice of parenting is subject to fads and evolving styles. Indeed, in certain privileging circles, parenting has become a competitive sport. However, the needs of child development, as delineated by scientific research, remain relatively stable. These needs are: safety, structure, support, and love.
A treatise on the art of effective parenting
In order to parent effectively, it is not sufficient to merely avoid the obvious dangers such as abuse, neglect, or overindulgence. The National Academy of Sciences has delineated four major responsibilities for parents. Firstly, they are responsible for maintaining their children's health and safety. Secondly, they are responsible for promoting their emotional well-being. Thirdly, they are responsible for instilling social skills in their children. Finally, they are responsible for preparing their children intellectually.
A substantial body of research has indicated that the optimal environment for the development of well-adjusted children is one in which parents successfully integrate warmth and sensitivity with clearly defined behavioural expectations. Parents may find the Four C's to be a helpful acronym: care (showing acceptance and affection), consistency (maintaining a stable environment), choices (allowing the child to develop autonomy), and consequences (applying repercussions of choices, whether positive or negative).
What constitutes an unhealthy parenting style?
It is important to note that not all parenting styles are conducive to the optimal development of children. The phenomenon of overparenting can have a detrimental effect on children as they transition into adulthood, often leaving them ill-equipped to cope with the most minor of setbacks.
Two well-known examples of overparenting styles include "helicopter parenting," in which children are excessively monitored and kept out of harm's way, and "snowplow parenting," in which potential obstacles are removed from a child's path. Both of these factors have the capacity to exert a detrimental influence on a child's future independence, mental well-being, and self-perception.
However, it is important to note that an absence of parenting can also have adverse consequences. Research has demonstrated that a lack of parental engagement frequently results in suboptimal behavioural outcomes in children. This phenomenon may be, at least in part, attributable to the manner in which it fosters a degree of reliance among young people that is overly dependent on the prevailing trends within peer culture. Paradoxically, overly harsh or authoritarian styles of parenting can have the same effect.
It is therefore the responsibility of parents to cultivate a balance between affection and firmness, while ensuring that children are granted sufficient autonomy to cultivate their own interests, experience the process of becoming independent, and encounter the concept of failure.
The power of positive parenting
The following discussion will attempt to explore the concept of positive parenting and the reasons for its efficacy.
Positive parenting can be defined as the demonstration of love, warmth and kindness towards children.
The objective is to guide children in a manner consistent with parental expectations by means of encouragement and instruction.
The objective is to facilitate the optimal development of children by means of the following strategy: The affirmation of love, goodness, and self-importance is of paramount importance.
A plethora of research has been conducted on the subject of positive parenting, and the results have indicated that it is a highly effective approach.
The practice of positive parenting has been demonstrated to have a significant impact on the future success of children.
Research has demonstrated that positive parenting practices are associated with enhanced educational outcomes, reduced behavioural issues, and strengthened mental well-being in children.¹
The practice of positive parenting has been demonstrated to have a beneficial effect on the developing teenage brain.
Recent research in the field of neuroscience has revealed a correlation between positive parenting practices during the teenage years and the subsequent development of brain regions associated with emotional processing and cognitive function.
The notion that positive parenting is linked to a happy and healthy adulthood has been well-documented.
A study conducted by scientists at Harvard University has revealed that positive parenting practices have been shown to engender long-term benefits, including the cultivation of more robust relationships, enhanced mental health, and an overall enhancement in well-being during adulthood.
The following five PRIDE skills are proposed as a means of providing positive parenting.
The PRIDE skills constitute a set of five positive parenting techniques that can be readily employed in everyday life. The efficacy of these skills in supporting children's development has been demonstrated in numerous studies.
Tip: As with all forms of parenting advice, it is recommended that individuals implement the recommended skills in a manner that aligns with their personal values and the dynamics of their family unit.
The following section will provide a detailed exposition of the five PRIDE skills in action.
The promotion of prosocial behaviours is facilitated by the utilisation of PRIDE skills.
The PRIDE skills approach has been demonstrated to facilitate the teaching of social skills, the preparation of children for school, and the management of behaviours and emotions. In order to promote healthy development with PRIDE skills, it is important to identify moments where the child displays good behaviour.
It is important to acknowledge positive behaviours in children and to provide them with appropriate praise and recognition. It has been demonstrated that the more frequently positive behaviours are emphasised, the more they will flourish and develop.
The following behaviours should be noted and commended:
The development of social skills and the cultivation of manners are of paramount importance.
The act of benevolence and compassion.
The importance of demonstrating sportsmanship.
The act of compromising
Doing things for others
The provision of assistance.
The act of making eye contact is of significance in this context.
Saying please and thank you
Sharing
Showing empathy
Taking turns
The employment of elegant vocabulary is to be encouraged.
The following essay will explore the concept of self-control skills.
It is imperative to exercise caution and demonstrate tenderness.
The objective is to ensure safety.
It is imperative to maintain composure.
The expression of feelings in a composed and composed manner.
The subject is waiting patiently.
The development of competencies related to education and the acquisition of knowledge.
Concentrating
Creative thinking
The necessity for flexible thinking is paramount in this context.
The necessity of concentration and the maintenance of focus in the execution of tasks is paramount.
Persisting
Problem-solving
The process of deliberation and consideration.
Working hard
The present study explores the phenomenon of working independently.
The following skills are to be developed: the ability to listen carefully and the capacity to obey instructions.
The response of "No" is accepted.
Permission must be requested.
The execution of tasks is to be undertaken in an expeditious manner.
The subsequent step is to adhere to the stipulated directions.
The initial auditory perception of the subject is hereby documented.
The application of PRIDE skills to the targeting of inappropriate behaviours
The PRIDE skills approach has been demonstrated to be effective in the reduction of undesired behaviours. This process is initiated by the act of "catching" a child engaging in a positive behaviour that is counter to an undesirable conduct. To illustrate this point, consider the following example: if a child is running ahead in a supermarket, it may be beneficial to consider methods that could be employed to encourage the child to return to the parent. It is important to acknowledge the value of his loyalty and commitment to the relationship.
It is important to note that the vast majority of undesired behaviours have an opposite counterpart of a positive nature. When an individual is commended for exhibiting a commendable behaviour, it facilitates the acquisition of knowledge regarding the desired conduct, thereby enhancing the probability of its repetition.
It is important to allocate time for recreational activities.
The pursuit of playtime is often overshadowed by the demands of daily life, leaving it to be neglected. The provision of uninterrupted playtime facilitates opportunities for parents to engage in moments of respite, introspection, and relationship-building with their children. According to experts in the field of parenting, the investment of a minimal amount of time, specifically no more than five minutes per day, has been demonstrated to have a positive impact on the strength of the parent-child bond.
The first recommendation is to play with PRIDE.
The integration of PRIDE skills has been demonstrated to enhance the quality of playtime, contributing to an overall positive experience. The process of converting ordinary playtime into special playtime is of significant importance. The utilisation of PRIDE skills is directly correlated with the enhancement of outcomes.
The second recommendation is to allow the child to take the initiative.
It is rare for children to have the opportunity to assume a leadership role; therefore, permitting a child to take the initiative during playtime can greatly enhance the experience. The following two methods are proposed as a means of following the lead of the child.
It is recommended that parents allow their children to make choices with regard to play activities, provided that these are safe.
It is recommended that the number of commands and questions be reduced, for example by eliminating expressions such as "Say choo choo!" and "What will his name be?".
In conclusion,
The course of action that is selected should be that which is perceived as being optimal for the family unit.
Parents are best placed to determine the most appropriate use of these skills for their child. The objective is to promote values and behaviours that are personally significant to the individual.
Give yourself praise
Parenting can be challenging, therefore it is important to exercise self-compassion. The importance of self-love, akin to the love shown to a child, must be recognised. It is important to recognise and acknowledge the efforts made by individuals, and to offer self-praise on a regular basis for doing one's best.
