Tips of Positive Parenting

No-one ever said raising a child was an exact science. But according to the experts, here's what to do to sharpen your skills.

Know your child. We parents fall short when we try to make our children more intelligent, assertive, graceful or accomplished than they are naturally disposed to be. We fail them just as much when we ignore or deny their real talents and temperament.

Know yourself. Examine your motives in wanting more from your child. Parent may have their own shame or unmet needs that they project onto their children.

Do you want your child to take dance lessons because your parents forced them on you? Were you a mediocre athlete but hope for a trophy winner in the next generation?

Educate yourself. Talk to other parents and your paediatrician, and read child-development books to learn what you can reasonably expect from your child at each stage of his life.

Empathise. Take time to see your-self through your child's eyes. Do you act embarrassed by him? Do you point out only his mistakes? Would you want to be treated that way?

Make adjustments. No-one responds well to someone who is accusatory or judgemental. If you find yourself harping on what your child can't do, refocus on her strenghts. Once you change your attitude, you may find that she changes too.

Collabrate. Create a partnership with your child in which he can participate in setting appropriate goals and solving problems.

Read how your child feels. Your child's behavior -anger, fidgeting, procrastination -says alot about whether she is being asked to do more than she can manage.

Explore possibilities. A good way to encourage is to expose your childdren to a variety of environments, including sports, the arts, nature and science. Let your child find out what she enjoys.

Keep your eye on the end goal. A parent's main objective should be raise a child who loves well, works well and takes pleasure in life. You don't want to stifle curiosity, initiative and confidence.

Avoid comparisons. A style of parenting that works for one child may backfire for his sibling. Every child has his own personality.