Message from CDA, Ms. Ludwig
Do you practice empathy with your child?
Do you listen to their side of the story?
Do you try to “catch your child being good”?
If so, you’re using an approach called positive parenting.
Positive parenting focuses on the relationship between you and your child. It prioritizes connection, communication, and coaching.
But here’s what might surprise you:
The goal is not managing your child’s behavior.
Positive parenting is about your own self-regulation and managing yourself.
That’s because the way you respond to your child sets the tone for how they behave.
If you offer emotional safety, empathy, warmth, and support, it’s easier for your child to cooperate. They’re more willing to communicate openly and behave constructively.
Of course, there’s no perfect way to parent.
But when we regulate our own emotions enough to:
✨ Bond deeply with our children
✨ Nurture their strengths
✨ Coach instead of controlling
…we raise kind, confident kids who know they’ll always have a safe place to land.
This week’s guide “The Surprising Truth About Positive Parenting” includes more information about how to positively parent.
Most of the time, positive parenting isn’t really about parenting our kids.
It’s about parenting ourselves--and that makes all the difference for our children.
