
Feature/General
Positive Parenting ... Stronger Families
By Pat Nielsen
March/April 2008
Parenting is the hardest and most rewarding job in the world and
one that most of us have very little preparation for. No
instruction booklet tells us how to raise our little bundles of
joy into happy, healthy and well-adjusted human beings. Prevent
Child Abuse Athens (PCAA) and Athens Parent Magazine are proud
to co-sponsor a special community event designed to give parents
with children of all ages some tools to make the job easier.
“Positive Parenting ... Stronger Families” will be held on Saturday, April
5 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at First Presbyterian Church in Athens. Marilyn
Gootman, Ed.D., of Gootman Education Associates will present the keynote talk
at 10:00 AM.
In her book, The Loving Parents’ Guide to Discipline: How
to Teach Your Child to Behave Responsibly – with Kindness,
Understanding and Respect (The Berkley Publishing Group, 2000)
Gootman offers insights into setting rules and limits, encouraging
appropriate behavior, using praise wisely, and more. She
encourages parents to give children skills to cope and survive
in the world which will develop real, not artificial self-esteem. Gootman
says, “A child raised with discipline learns to judge between
right and wrong, to reach his or her greatest potential, and to
treat others with kindness and respect.”
Break-out discussion sessions will follow the keynote talk at 11:00
AM. Sessions include:
- Parents of Children Zero to Five led by Grace Arthur, Parenting
Educator at Prevent Child Abuse Athens. Parenting classes
she conducts for PCAA include the Nurturing Parenting Series
and The ABC’s of Parenting. She
was formerly the Coordinator of PCAA’s First Steps Program.
- Parents
of School-Aged Children led by Marilyn Gootman, keynote speaker.
- Parents
of Teens led by Lenore L. Katz, LPC, NCC, a licensed professional
counselor in private practice. She specializes in working
with adolescents and their families as they navigate issues related
to identity, relationships, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities
and transitioning to college.
Pizza donated by Papa John’s will be served at noon. There
is no charge for this event and childcare will be provided. Please
register for sessions and childcare by April 1 at 706-546-9713.
About PCAA
Prevent Child Abuse Athens (PCAA) is a nonprofit organization
dedicated to preventing child abuse in all its forms – physical,
sexual, emotional and neglect – in Clarke, Madison, Oconee
and Oglethorpe counties. For over twenty years, PCAA has worked
toward this mission through its programs: Healthy Families home
visiting for overburdened new parents, First Steps parenting support,
Parenting Classes and Community Education. For information, call
706-546-9713 or visit www.pcaathens.org.
7 Ways to tackle child-rearing that can help you feel more fulfilled
as a parent and make family time more enjoyable.
NURTURE SELF-ESTEEM - Children start to develop self esteem as
babies when they see themselves through their parents’ eyes.
Your tone of voice, expression and your body language are picked
up by your children. Your words and actions affect them more
than you know. Praise your child’s accomplishments. Help
him or her learn from failures and encourage independence.
PRAISE GOOD BEHAVIOR - Think about how often you catch your child
being good. It may be far less often than you think. Take time
each day to focus on the good behaviors you see in your children
and tell them you notice. Positive reinforcement is the most effective
way to promote good behavior.
SET LIMITS AND USE CONSISTENT DISCIPLINE - Discipline is necessary
for every family. The goal of discipline is to help children make
good decisions and learn self-control. It is normal for children
to test the limits you set. Be firm about your expectations. Make
sure your children understand what you want from them.
MAKE TIME FOR YOUR FAMILY - In our busy world, it can be easy
to neglect family time. Take time to sit down and eat meals together
as a family. Encourage family activities that promote talking and
laughter. Take a walk after dinner, go to a museum together or
plan a game night each week. Turn off the television and
interact with one another.
BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL - Children learn by watching your reactions
to different situations. Before you lash out or lose your temper
in front of your child, think about this: Is that how you want
him or her to behave when upset or angry? Teach by example. Model
the behaviors you want to see in your family.
SHOW UNCONDITIONAL LOVE - As a parent, you are responsible for
guiding your child’s development. Show your children
you will love them every day. Avoid using your love as a
reward and do not with hold affection as a punishment.
BE AWARE OF YOUR OWN NEEDS - No one is a perfect parent. We all
have strengths and weaknesses. Know your limits and take
time for yourself. If your needs are not being met, it will be
harder to meet the needs of your family. Have realistic expectations
for your family and yourself.
Adapted from a publication by Prevent Child Abuse Georgia: 1-800-CHILDREN,
www.pcageorgia.org
|