Positive Parenting

Do we live in a world where people are motivated by rewards or punishment? Well, a bit of both - but I believe more rewards. We are lucky to be living in a society of abundance where people reap what they sow - in other words, possibilities are endless and the harder you work, the more innovative and creative you are, the better you are rewarded, and not just in terms of money, but also recognition, support and overall quality of life. This helps you chose what is important to you, inspires motivation and also teaches responsibility based on action vs consequence.

Our children, I believe, have to be able to understand this. We need to motivate them, discipline them, but also help them to suceed by giving them the tools, mindset and an overall supportive environment where they can fail gracefully and try again, repeatedly without losing faith or feeling overly discouraged.

Yes, everyone fails, adults and children, in big things, in little things - everyone has moments where they don't quite make it. So it is natural - and it is part of our lifelong learning process where we mould ourselves into better people for the future.

So don't talk down to your kids. Instead, lift them up. Show them the path ahead and guide them back should they wander off. Tell them today than you are here to help them be the best that they can be, and that any obstacle can be overcome together.