The “3 F’s” of positive parenting refers to:
- Fairness: This means treating children with fairness, equity and justice. This includes setting clear and consistent rules, and providing clear explanations for those rules, and being consistent in enforcing consequences.
- Firmness: This means setting limits and boundaries for children, providing structure and discipline, and holding children accountable for their actions.
- Flexibility: This means being responsive and adaptable to children’s changing needs, and being open to new ideas and ways of parenting. It also includes being willing to adjust parenting styles as children grow and develop.
The five skills of positive parenting are:
- Positive communication: This includes actively listening to children, validating their feelings, and using non-violent communication methods.
- Empathy and understanding: This includes trying to see things from the child’s perspective, and showing compassion and understanding.
- Setting limits and boundaries: This includes setting clear and age-appropriate limits, and providing structure and discipline.
- Problem-solving: This includes teaching children how to solve problems, regulate their emotions, and develop self-control.
- Encouraging independence: This includes encouraging children to be independent and self-reliant, and to develop their own skills and talents.
The 3 F’s of positive parenting and the 5 skills of positive parenting are interconnected, and it’s important to have a balance between them. These principles are designed to help children develop the emotional, social, and cognitive skills they need to become responsible and successful adults.
