Positive Parenting: Praise vs. Punishment

We have all heard the admonishment that you catch more flies with sugar than you do with salt, the same holds true with parenting... you get much further with praise then you do with punishment. Try these tips NOW! in order to begin enriching your relationship with your child (children) and increasing your parenting effectiveness:

1. Be super-enthusiastic when using praise (think head cheerleader)
2. Be specific - tell your child exactly what they did that pleased you (if you want to see it again!)
3. Smile, smile, smile, and use touch, a hug, a pat on the back makes us all feel good.
4. Make sure the praise immediately follows the behavior.
5. Tell your child the things you love about them as people not just what they do but compliment them for who they are!