Psychology
Parenting is a challenging task, and new parents often feel clueless and develop a parenting strategy through trial and error. A misinformed parenting style can have a significant impact on the health, development and wellbeing of children. However, there is a dearth of appropriate tools to identify and measure the key constructs of positive parenting styles. Seay, Freysteinson, and McFarlane conducted a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the existing scientific literature on parenting styles.
Based on the concept of positive parenting style, the authors scanned all literature to identify necessary attributes that constitute the model of positive parenting. All the attributes are listed below;
- Children should be cared for in an environment that symbolizes attachment, compassion, and empathy.
- The child should be led by providing age-appropriate goals within the boundaries of discipline and tolerance.
- Parents should provide the child with adequate food, shelter, hygiene, medical, financial and, emotional support.
- Parents and caregivers should teach children by providing age appropriate activities and involving them in social activities.
- Last but not the least, communication with children plays a vital role in parenting. Good communication involves thought verbalization, active listening, and giving respect to the child.
Based on the findings of the literature review the authors proposed a new definition for positive parenting. According to Seay and colleagues “positive parenting is the continual relationship of parent and a child or children that includes caring, teaching, leading, communicating, and providing for the needs of the child consistently and unconditionally”. Therefore parenting tools should be able to help us become better parents and create a better world for the next generation so that they may grow up to become well-rounded individuals.
Works Cited
Gavin, Loretta E et al. “Young, Disadvantaged Fathers’ Involvement with Their Infants: An Ecological Perspective.” Journal of Adolescent Health 31.3 (2002): 266–276. Print.
Seay, Andrea, Wyona M Freysteinson, and Judith McFarlane. “Positive Parenting.” Nursing forum 49.3 (2014): 200–8. Web.
