Michele Fesenbeck did a great job last night on Building Positive Relationships with our Children. Some key points were: Positive Parenting Techniques are communication, encouragement, negotiation, setting limits supervision and knowing your kids friends. Communicating: Make sure its a good time to talk, have a plan, take time to think through what you want to say, try to remain calm and patient, limit distractions (cell phones). Questioning: Ask the right questions in the right way will gain you the information you want/need. Show interest/concern, dont blame or accuse, encourage problem solving/thinking. Reduce Emotions: Stay calm Take a break if needed or even wait to discuss within 24 hours, Negotiate (yes parents should negotiate). Find ways to work together to solve problems, make changes promote and improve cooperation. Teach youth to focus on solutions, not problems, think through possible outcomes, develop communication skills. Set Limits / set boundaries Set clear, specific and simple rules, make sure everyone understands the consequences and follow through. Encourage when rules are followed. Supervise. Be sure to know what your child is doing. Participate in their activities, be in their business. Worry about parenting, not being their friend. You have time to be their friend when they have kids of their own. Thanks Michele for the great guidance and for all those who came and shared.
Posted on: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 15:16:14 +0000