The Five Pillars to
Positive Parenting / 3

Decoding your child’s behaviour, fostering a timeless connection, and promoting open communication

By Mona Andrei

August 24, 2023

Ah, parenting – the roller coaster ride that makes you question your sanity while simultaneously filling your heart. If you’ve been following our journey through this series on positive parenting, you’re in for a treat. We’re about to dive into the quirky world of decoding your little one’s behaviour, fostering a timeless connection, and promoting open communication with your pint-sized partner-in-crime.

Decoding your child’s behaviour

Picture this… your kiddo throws a tantrum in the middle of a crowded grocery store, and in the moment, you’re wishing the world could just swallow you up. As mentioned in the first article in this series, we’ve all been there. The good news is that positive parenting is all about going full-on detective mode. Instead of responding with an “I-can’t-believe-you’re-doing-this-to-me” face, try a more “Hmm, what’s really going on here?” approach. Your little one’s behaviour is their language and deciphering it could save you from future meltdown mayhem.

Connection is the secret sauce of positive parenting – it’s like super glue for hearts. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to forge a bond with your mini-me that could rival the Avengers’ teamwork.

Maybe they’re hungry or perhaps they’re staging a rebellion against broccoli (understandable, really). By figuring out the hidden messages behind your child’s antics you can swoop in with empathy and ninja-like problem-solving skills.

Bonding: It’s not just for glue

Connection is the secret sauce of positive parenting – it’s like super glue for hearts. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to forge a bond with your mini-me that could rival the Avengers’ teamwork. No capes required. Imagine this: you’re both sitting on the floor, building a LEGO masterpiece that defies the laws of physics (just don’t step on any of the pieces). You’re not just snapping bricks together; you’re weaving memories, one colourful block at a time. These aren’t just play sessions; they’re opportunities to bond. And a glimpse into what’s really going on in their world.

And remember, connections aren’t built solely on epic outings. Sometimes it’s the small things that matter most, like cuddling up to read a bedtime story or belting out off-key renditions of your shared favourite songs. It’s like forming your own secret society, with giggles and whispered confessions as the membership perks.

Talking the talk, kid-style

Effective communication is the magical art of understanding each other without actually speaking the same language. But let’s be real, sometimes deciphering your child’s version of “I’m hungry and want THAT kind of cereal” can be as challenging as cracking the Da Vinci code.

‘… connections aren’t built solely on epic outings. Sometimes it’s the small things that matter most, like cuddling up to read a bedtime story or belting out off-key renditions of your shared favourite songs.’

Positive parenting gives you the ultimate decoder ring to navigate the kid-speak maze. It’s all about creating a safe zone where they can unleash their thoughts, ideas, and even those wild stories about unicorns who double as astronauts.

Here’s the trick: be their sounding board, their confidant, and their partner-in-crime (even if the crime is simply colouring together at the dining room table). When they talk, really listen. And when you respond, make sure it’s not the same autopilot “Uh-huh” you use during some of your Zoom meetings.

Operation high-five: Positive reinforcement edition

Positive parenting isn’t just about mastering the art of decoding and connecting; it’s also about being the ultimate cheerleader for your kid’s life journey. And what’s the best way to cheer? High-fives, of course!

In the realm of parenting, positive reinforcement is your secret sauce for helping your child build self-confidence. Instead of raising your eyebrows at their tidied-up room with a “Well, it’s about time,” parenting experts recommend going into a full-blown “Whoa, check out this room! Now I want to move in!” By celebrating their triumphs, you’re giving them a backstage pass to the joy of accomplishments. It’s like putting sprinkles on the cupcake of life, making it even sweeter.

The grand finale

As we continue with this positive parenting adventure, remember that you’re not just raising a future adult; you’re nurturing a tiny human with dreams, quirks, and an unquenchable thirst for adventure. Decoding their behaviour, building unbreakable connections, and listening like a real besty are the tools that will make all the difference in your parenting.

‘In the realm of parenting, positive reinforcement is your secret sauce for helping your child build self-confidence… By celebrating their triumphs, you’re giving them a backstage pass to the joy of accomplishments.’

So, go forth, decode those tantrums like a pro, forge connections that will outlast time itself, and communicate like the world’s best undercover agent. And remember, when in doubt, just high-five your way through parenting – because, in this wild ride, a little humour and a lot of love can conquer even the messiest of temper tantrum blowouts!

In our next article of this series, we’ll discover how to embrace chaos with calm.

Image: RDNE Stock project – PEXELS

The Five Pillars to Positive Parenting – Part 1
The Five Pillars to Positive Parenting – Part 2
Other articles by Mona Andrei
Other recent articles

Mona Andrei is an award-winning humour blogger, columnist, and author. In her most recent book, SUPERWOMAN: A Funny and Reflective Look at Single Motherhood, she shares her challenges and triumphs as a single mother as well as those of other single mothers. You can connect with Mona on Twitter.