Positive Discipline Resource

I recently came across a great quick tips resource for positive parenting from a very unlikely resource, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It breaks out child development stages and positive discipline techniques for all ages from birth to 17, and I found a good portion of it to be very relevant as well as resource rich.

While it’s ideal to have initiated and used positive discipline throughout your child’s life, it’s never too late to put these practices to work to help develop an increased sense of self esteem and capability in kids.

Because I do talk a lot about toddlers and preschoolers (because that’s what I live with in the trenches here every day), I want to provide some advice and resources out of that age group both for those with kids in middle childhood and adolescence, as well as give those of us with younger kids a glimpse into the future.

Here is a look at what the site offers for what they call Middle Adolescence (15-17):

Developmental Milestones
Middle adolescence is a time of physical, mental, cognitive, and sexual changes for your teenager. Most girls will be physically mature by now, and most will have completed puberty. Boys might still be maturing physically during this time. Your teenager might have concerns about her body size, shape, or weight. Eating disorders can also be common, especially among females. During this phase of development, your teenager is developing his unique personality and opinions. Peer relationships are still important, yet your teenager will have other interests as he develops a more clear sense of identity. Middle adolescence is also an important time to prepare for more independence and responsibility; many teenagers start working, and many will be leaving home soon after high school.

Other changes you might notice in your teenager include:

Emotional/Social Changes

• Increased interest in the opposite sex
• Decreased conflict with parents
• Increased independence from parents
• Deeper capacity for caring and sharing and the development of more intimate relationships
• Decreased time spent with parents and more time spent with peers

Mental/Cognitive Changes

• More defined work habits
• More concern about future educational and vocational plans
• Greater ability to sense right and wrong
• Sadness or depression, which can lead to poor grades at school, alcohol or drug use, unsafe sex, thoughts of suicide, and other problems (Note: Problems at school, alcohol and drug use, and other disorders can also lead to feelings of sadness or hopelessness.)

The site goes on to offer a strong list of positive parenting tips. I really like that these focus on encouraging, supporting, talking, respecting, and showing interest in your child:

• Talk to your teenager about her concerns and pay attention to any changes in her behavior. Ask her if she has had suicidal thoughts, particularly if she seems sad or depressed. Asking about suicidal thoughts will not cause her to have these thoughts, but it will let her know that you care about how she feels. Seek professional help if necessary.
• Show interest in your teenager’s school and extracurricular interests and activities and encourage him to become involved in activities such as sports, music, theater, and art.
• Compliment your teenager and celebrate her efforts and accomplishments.
• Show affection for your teenager. Spend time together doing things you enjoy.
• Respect your teenager’s opinion. Listen to him without playing down his concerns.
• Encourage your teenager to volunteer and become involved in civic activities in her community.
• Encourage your teenager to develop solutions to problems or conflicts. Help your teenager learn to make good decisions. Create opportunities for him to use his own judgment, and be available for advice and support.
• If your teenager engages in interactive Internet media such as games, chat rooms, and instant messaging, encourage him to be disciplined and respectful about the amount of time she is involved with it.
• If your teenager works, use the opportunity to talk about expectations, responsibility, and other aspects of behaving respectfully in a public setting.
• Talk with your teenager and help him plan ahead for difficult or uncomfortable situations. Discuss what he can do if he is in a group and someone is using drugs, under pressure to have sex, or offered a ride from someone who has been drinking.
• Respect your teenager’s need for privacy.
• Encourage your teenager to get enough sleep and exercise, and to eat healthy, balanced meals.
• Encourage your teenager to have meals with the family. Eating together will help your teenager make better choices about the foods she eats, promote healthy weight, and give family members time to talk with each other. In addition, a teenager who eats meals with the family is more likely to have better grades and less likely to smoke, drink, or use drugs. She is also less likely to get into fights, think about suicide, or engage in sexual activity.

I recommend bookmarking this site as one of many great references you can refer to as your child grows and develops. Both the advice it offers and the resources it provides are very valuable.

Have you found a great parenting resource you refer back to a lot? Please tell me a little about it. I’d love to hear more!

Tagged as: Positive Discipline