Module 2: Being a Positive Influence/Example for Your Child

Homeopath Edel Bolger O’Hora ( Jan  2023)
Positive parents raise their children in a way that empowers them to reach their full potential as resilient and fulfilled individuals. Positive parents are warm, caring, loving and nurturing and so much more: They are teachers, leaders and positive role models. ​

They are consistent and clear about expectations. In this model will be discussed:

• Atending to a child’s emotional expression
• Control rewarding and encouraging positive behaviors
• Providing clear rules and expectations
• Applying consistent consequences for behaviors
• Providing adequate supervision and monitoring
• Acting as a positive role model
• Making positive family experiences a priority

 
As parents, we know that how we behave sends signals to our children about the sort of behaviour we approve of. From birth children observe their parent’s. Then at a certain age the children are aware of the behaviours expected of them by their parents. So, if the actions of parents are different to what they have been told, then this can confuse them and frustrate their efforts to copy their parents. Blurred expectations and boundries leads to conflict between the parents and their children. And the conflict can be conscious or unconscious depending on the awareness of the parents and the children. 
 
Being the best parent you can be and supporting  your child requires patience, calmness, time and resilience. Here are some things you could model:

• Positive relationships. Including your child in family discussions is a good way for them to understand how people can get along with others and work together. A child’s family is their first training ground for relationships, and usually one of the strongest influences.
• The importance of learning. A positive approach to education and knowledge can help your child value the process of discovery and learning. An optimistic outlook generally supports positive outcomes.
• Taking responsibility for your mistakes. Openly admitting your mistakes, and talking about how you can correct them, will show your child how to be accountable for their own actions. It also teaches them that it’s okay to make mistakes and that you can always bounce back.
• Respect. Showing respect to others and trying to problem solve conflicts that arise, rather than simply getting angry and upset, will show them what respect and problem solving looks like.

In this module, there will be a discussion about taking time to listen, relax, laugh and encourage your children. What are verbal rewards, physical rewards and material rewards? The use of star chrts and offering choices to children for positive re-enforcement is discussed. Family Meetings where there is time for each member of the family to add their contributon to the family time table and the individual child’s  needs and desires acknowledged, good and bad by the parents and other siblings.
 
There are many styles of parenting. Dismissive parents, Disapproving parents, Laissez-Fare Parents and Emotional Couching Parents. Each style has an effect on our children. It can be argued that we, as parents, can visit all areas at times. In the ‘Heart of Parenting’ John Gottman has a questionaire that can help parent’s identify what is their own predominent postion as a parent. This enlightens us about ourselves and that awareness helps us deal with our own blind side when being the role model for our child/children.
 
Homeopathic remedies can help get through the blocks in Communication. Staphyisagria is very useful when ‘feeling stuck’ in a situation. ‘Stuck ‘ being a parent! Or ‘stuck’ with these parents.
 
Being a positive role model in terms of your own coping mechanisms; being aware of your child’s level of risk; providing information; supervising and monitoring; setting boundaries; communicating openly are all part of parenting. This module allows for discussion about our own performance, our fears and provides encouragement and choice for parents who are embracing their parenting style.
 
Reference:

• LifeStart Foundation Parenting Programme(Sligo)/Barnardos (Phase 3 Unit 1,2,3)
  orla@lifestartfoundation.org
• HSE Swings and Slides Programme/Barnardos sandrastafford@HSE.ie
• Family Caring Trust Parenting Programme (Veritas 1995) breda@familycaring.co.uk
• https://parents.au.reachout.com/skills-to-build/connecting-and-communicating/things-to-try-supportive-parenting/being-a-good-role-model-for-your-teenager

Homeopathy Consultation is a process tailored on a case by case basis. It identifies the individuals reaction to the world they live in and provides homeopathic medicines to give a long term, natural and positive approach to your health and well being.
 
THIS WEBSITE IS INFORMATION ONLY. The information on this website is based on the opinion and beliefs of Edel Bolger O’Hora. Edel would love to hear from you. To book a consultation, please use the Online Calendar or facebook Homeopathy with Edel