Positive Kids in a Negative World

I attended this seminar on positive parenting last month, we have group discussion and sharing of our experiences regarding our children. I really enjoyed and excited to try it at home. I learned a lot of things. Now, I want to share this thoughts to all parents who want to give positive parenting to their children, especially in this generation.
Times have changed. Just a few generations ago, getting in trouble meant talking too much in class or being disrespectful to your elders. But today, the stakes are much higher. The common entry-level offenses for school-age kids today often include drinking, experimenting with drugs, sexual activity and recreational crime. One small slip-up and a young person can find his life permanently altered, or ended altogether. It's a very negative world. Here are some principles for positive parenting:

• Positive parenting begins with positive clear-cut objectives-- apply the principle of focus- proactive parenting. Prevents reactive, fearful methods.
  
• Positive parenting demands we practice what we reach-- apply the principle of modeling-more is caught than taught.
• Positive parents build relationships that bond-- apply the principle of relationship. The stronger your relationship with your child, the more likely he will embrace your values and beliefs. The weaker your relationship with your child, the less likely he will embrace it. Tension and stress and difficulties are normal. There are (8)eight keys for building relationships that bond:

1. Unconditional love
2. Scheduled meaningful time
3. Focused attention
4. Eye contact
5. Ongoing communication--dinner together, bedtime, shared memories
6. Meaningful touching
7. Have fun together
8. Pray together often
   

• Positive parenting requires constant repair and ongoing maintenance-- apply the principle of process. Say the five powerful words, I'M SORRY. PLEASE FORGIVE ME.