Parenting with PRIDE: Building bonds, fostering growth

Parenting is an incredible journey filled with ups and downs, laughter, and tears. As parents, we’re always looking for ways to connect with our kids and help them grow into happy, confident individuals. That’s where PRIDE skills come in! PRIDE stands for Praise, Reflection, Imitation, Description and Enjoyment. These skills are not only effective tools for parenting but also key principles of Positive Parenting, a nurturing approach that focuses on building strong, healthy relationships with our children. Let’s break it down.

Praise – Love What They Do

Praising our kids is like giving them a big high-five for doing something awesome! It’s not just about saying “good job,” it’s about noticing the effort they put in and cheering them on for their achievements, big or small. Whether they tie their shoes for the first time or finish a tricky puzzle, let’s celebrate those victories together! 

Positive Parenting emphasises the importance of recognizing and reinforcing positive behaviour, helping children develop a strong sense of self-worth and confidence. Be clear with your positive feedback, saying, “That was great! You drank your glass of milk without my having to remind you.” There are several opportunities to praise your child and offer encouragement, such as when they work independently on a school project, accept no for an answer, listen to you the first time, follow directions, etc.

Praising a child also reinforces good behaviour and helps cut back on unwanted habits. For instance, if you praise the child for sharing their toys, you are indirectly sending the message that the opposite is not good.

Reflection – Say What They Say

Ever feel like your kid is speaking a different language? Reflecting is like tuning into their channel and listening to what they’re saying. Repeat back what they tell you in your own words, elaborating on it if you can. It shows them that you’re paying attention and that their thoughts and feelings matter. Positive Parenting encourages open communication and empathy, fostering trust and understanding between parents and children.

It sends the message: “I hear you”. It gives a child confidence and fosters two-way communication. Express genuine interest in what they have to say and watch the magic happen as their feelings tumble out! For younger children, it’s also a chance to practise speaking skills, gently correcting any grammatical errors while you’re at it by repeating what they said, and using the correct phrase. In the long run, children who are heard won’t hesitate to speak up and voice their opinions.

Imitation – Do What They Do

Kids are like little sponges, soaking up everything around them. By being good role models, we can teach them all sorts of cool stuff without even trying! Whether it’s saying “please” and “thank you” or showing them how to tie their shoelaces, they’re watching and learning from us every day. Positive Parenting emphasises the importance of modelling positive behaviour and values, helping children develop essential life skills and moral principles.

Copying what children do can make them feel really special and validate their actions. When adults imitate a child’s actions, it shows that they find what the child is doing interesting and important. It’s like saying, “This is fun! Let’s do it together!” Imitating kids is a great way to connect with them and show them you relate to them and are on a similar wavelength. Kids are play experts, and by copying them, adults can learn how to have fun too.

Description – Say What They Do

Describing things is like painting a picture with words. Instead of just saying “good job,” tell them exactly what they did well. Did they draw a rainbow with extra sparkles? Let them know how colourful and creative it is! Descriptive praise helps them understand what they did right and encourages them to keep it up. Positive Parenting encourages parents to provide specific and constructive feedback, helping children develop a strong sense of competence and mastery.

It signals to your child that you’re fully invested in what they’re up to, giving their self-esteem a major boost. Using detailed descriptions also helps extend your child’s attention span, making it easier for them to stick with tasks, even during homework sessions.

Enjoyment – Show Warmth and Enthusiasm

Parenting isn’t all about rules and chores—it’s about having fun together too! Enjoyment means sharing special moments, laughing, and goofing around. Whether it’s playing dress-up, baking cookies or going on a backyard adventure, let’s show our kids how much we love spending time with them! Positive Parenting emphasises the importance of nurturing positive relationships and creating a loving and supportive family environment, where children feel valued, respected and cherished.

Your cheerful demeanour sets the stage for your child’s positive responses. Express joy through physical gestures: Smile, maintain eye contact, and embrace with hugs and kisses. Engage your child with animated speech, laughter, and affirmations of your joy in their company. 

In a nutshell, PRIDE skills are not only effective parenting strategies but also core principles of Positive Parenting. By incorporating these skills into our daily interactions with our children, we can build strong, healthy relationships based on trust, empathy, and mutual respect.