- A "positive foundation" is crucial for effective discipline with children and teenagers, acting as a reserve to fall back on during difficult situations.
- Building this foundation involves consistently making "deposits" of positive interactions, such as actively listening without judgment or criticism, and using specific praise.
- Like bank deposits and withdrawals, positive interactions are deposits that build trust, and disciplinary moments are withdrawals. Maintaining a positive balance is key for a healthy relationship.
- Specific positive behaviors that serve as deposits include praising children for their effort (e.g., "Great work on doing your chores") and showing them positive attention.
- By focusing on positive feedback and building a strong relationship, disciplinary situations are handled more effectively, and negative attention does not dominate the parent-child relationship.
Building a Positive Foundation with Your Child
Building a positive foundation through consistent praise, active listening, and supportive interactions helps parents maintain a strong relationship with their children, making moments of discipline more effective and less disruptive.
Sarah Clark, PhD, Pediatric Psychiatry
