Positive Parent Training

Ruben Centre’s social department led by Catherine Njuki trained Community Health Volunteers on the 8th June 2022 and covered various topics.

The purpose of training

The goal of Positive Parent Training was to increase parental skills and knowledge about children as well as to increase positive interactions with children. The Positive Parenting Training Program focuses on five main goals:

  • Promoting safe and engaging environments,

  • Creating positive learning environments,

  • Using effective discipline,

  • Creating clear and reasonable expectations,

  • Self-care for parents.

 

Principles of Positive Parenting

Positive parents actively guide their kids towards better behavior and help them learn to solve problems on their own, preparing them to be independent and happy adults

 

1.      Regulate your own emotions

2.      Treat children with respect

3.      Build a strong connection with your child

4.      Set age-appropriate limits and boundaries

5.      Invest in daily One-On-One Time

6.      Practice Positive Discipline- Punishment and discipline are NOT the same thing.

7.      Intervene when there’s a risk of physical danger

8.      Get to the source of the behavior- In positive parenting you hear a lot about turning problems into “teaching moments”.

9.      Say Yes More Than No for example: Trying to say something like, “Yes it’s time to put away your toys. I know you want to keep playing but, yes if you get everything done on time I will read you a bedtime story. Yes, I think you’re amazing!”

10. Be an Empathetic Leader

 

Positive discipline (Use assertive discipline)

This is a way of teaching and guiding children by letting them know what behavior is acceptable in a way that is firm, yet kind. Punishment describes methods of control, gained by requiring rules or orders be obeyed and punishing undesired behavior.

            

Steps to Positive Parenting

  • Create a safe, interesting environment

 Bored kids are likely to misbehave

  • Have a positive learning environment.

If a child or teenager comes to you for help or a chat, they're ready to learn. ...

  • Have realistic expectations.

Always remember to take care of yourself as a parent.

By Catherine Njuki

Edits & Photos by Gregory Barake

Ruben Centre