Effective Parenting Strategies

Some important rules to follow when interacting with your children...

• Communicate clearly, make sure they understand you

• Avoid yelling/screaming

• Do not repeat yourself more than one time

• Provide plenty of praise for good behavior

• Reward good behavior immediately

• Do not make too many requests at once

• Do not try to correct every behavior, address only the most important

• Be consistent (between caregivers and within yourself)

• Follow through with giving consequences (no empty threats)

• Give feedback on behavior during planning conversation times (when no one is stressed)

• Be flexible to a degree (don’t change rules, but bend them when appropriate and provide a rationale)

• Do not say mean, hurtful things

• Be a good example (“Do as I say, not as I do” Does not work)

• Be a good listener (make sure you understand, don’t be critical, avoid talking over the talker)

• Provide opportunities for safe discussion (assure a nonjudgemental stance)

• Plan fun activities

• Monitor use of electronics and social media respectfully (no snooping or hacking-have open conversations)

*Find a way to monitor how you are doing (via report card, therapist, child feedback, ask relatives or friends)