20 Useful Parenting Tips I Learned Through Triple P-Positive Parenting Program
Parenting doesn’t come with a guidebook, but the Triple P- Positive Parenting Program helps set parents up for success with a wealth of resources and online programs.
As a parent of a spunky five-year-old daughter, there have been moments when I am left wondering, “What do I do next, and where do we go from here?” Especially when it comes to asserting her independence and speaking out of anger.
By taking advantage of the FREE online parenting courses offered to Ohio parents through Triple P, I could put new techniques in place that have drastically improved our home life and everyone’s well-being.
We want to thank Triple P- Positive Parenting Program for sponsoring this post and providing such a valuable resource to parents.
What Is the Triple P- Positive Parenting Program
The Positive Parenting Program, also known as Triple P, is an evidence-based parenting program that uses more than four decades of ongoing research to help parents promote positive behavior and build happy, confident, resilient children. It is one of the world’s most researched parenting programs!
Techniques taught in the Positive Parenting Program can help children develop the skills they need in life. Strategies help children learn to manage their emotions, develop self-control, and learn what is expected of them in different situations. Triple P classes are offered virtually so parents can go at their own pace through the program during a time that works for them.
The program offers free courses, including topics such as Raising Resilient Children, The Power of Positive Parenting, Raising Competent Teenagers, Raising Confident Children, and more.
What Is The Cost Of The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program
Good News!! The program is free to all Ohio parents and caregivers with support from the Governor’s Children initiative, The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, and the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund.
Sign up for Triple P- Positive Parenting Program
Customize A Plan For Your Family
Each family has a different set of behaviors or obstacles they are overcoming in this journey through parenthood. The Triple P program allows families to identify those common behaviors and set personal goals to focus on throughout the course.
Be honest with your answers, especially when rating your confidence level in dealing with particular behaviors. I have difficulty handling back talk, especially when I feel disrespected or that my child is acting ungrateful.
Once your profile and goals have been set, go through the Dashboard and Resources tab to find the modules and resources, such as tip sheets, to support your learning. They even offer a podcast format making it more convenient for busy parents.
As you begin to implement new behaviors, be sure to go back and document your achievements. Has there been less yelling in the household, and has your child been more obedient? You may need to update the concerns as a new behavior has started. Keeping track of your progress is a significant factor in success.
After taking the course to handle some of the behaviors my 5-year-old exhibits, here are a few takeaways I would like to share with you.
20 Useful Parenting Tips
1.) You Are Not Alone
Parents and caregivers often feel adrift in the ocean of parenthood alone without any support or help. While children don’t come with a handbook, utilizing free tools such as the Triple P Program can help you overcome those moments of uncertainty by giving you a plan to put in place.
Know that you are not the only parent who feels they have a poorly behaved or disrespectful child. Many parents are struggling with how to cope with their behaviors. Finding another parent to talk with can make you feel less alone.
2.)Don’t Assume Children Know What To Expect
This tip changed our lives. I was constantly assuming my daughter knew what I wanted her to do. While in reality, she heard me but didn’t know what the next step was. Giving her clear instructions on what to do has been a game-changer.
A perfect example is telling her to get ready; we are leaving. She would often dilly-dally, have zero sense of urgency, and move at sloth pace. It wasn’t until I told her, “We are leaving; please put your shoes on and then go to the car. We are going to your grandma’s house.” that she listened.
With clear and precise instructions, she would listen and perform the tasks that I asked for. Is it perfect every time? Nope, but it sure has gotten magnitudes better.
3.) Decide Rules For Appropriate Behavior And Discuss Them
Does your household have rules, and if so, do your children know them? As parents, we often tell them don’t do this or that, but have we sat down with our children to discuss it in detail? Did they get to help in setting the rules?
By making rules as a family and discussing their importance, children feel included and will know what is expected of them.
4.) State Rules Positively
Positively stating rules has proven to be more effective. Such as we walk in the house instead of no running in the house.
5.) Give Clear, Calm Instructions
Another parenting trap I am guilty of is not giving clear and calm instructions. I would often need to be more specific or give more instructions.
Saying exactly what I wanted my daughter to do helped her understand what I was asking her. Another helpful tip was that I needed to give directions while I was calm.
6.) Great Time Out Techniques
After taking this course, I quickly learned that I needed to be more efficient in my time outs. Sending her to her room full of toys was not effective, nor starting the Time Out clock while she was still upset. I highly recommend this module and wish I had taken it sooner.
7.) Have Plenty For Children To Do
When children are busy, there is less time for trouble. Many behaviors take place when they are bored. Then ensure you take activities when you go out, so there is something fun for them to do. Have fun and engaging things to do around your home as well.
8.) Praise Your Child’s Good Behaviors
Children are learning all the time, so giving attention to positive behavior means that it will likely happen more often. You need to decide what kind of behavior and skills you want to encourage. Then show your child appreciation when your child does those behaviors. Never underestimate how powerful praise can be, especially for a specific task or behavior.
9.) Back Up Your Instructions
One parenting trap I am guilty of is not backing up my instructions. If I give a consequence for not listening, I need to follow through on that. It is necessary to follow through, even if that means you may have to repeat the consequences multiple times to make the point. Children will quickly learn that you don’t mean what you say and can get away with the behavior without repercussions.
10.) Let Children Learn New Skills
It may be easier or faster for you to do the tasks for your child, but it wouldn’t give them time to learn it. Don’t assume they cannot do the new skill without needing a lot of help or reminders. Children can learn new, age appropriate skills with the proper instruction and enough practice. Be realistic about what they are capable of at their age.
11.) Planning Ahead
Children are more likely to get into trouble when tired or bored. Planning can help keep behaviors at bay. I now pack a bag of activities such as coloring books, stickers, tiny action figures, and travel games. It has been fabulous to have at restaurants or when we go to visit friends and family.
12.) Don’t Ignore Good Behavior
We often are quick to point out the behaviors we want to be changed. However, we also need to praise the good behaviors we see. When you see your child doing a chore or acting kindly, praise them immediately.
13.) Set Realistic Expectations of Your Child and Yourself
No child is going to be good all the time. We will all have those tantrums, moments of extreme disobedience, and downright terrible behavior. However, during moments like these, it is an excellent time to take a step back to ensure that your child is capable of understanding what you are asking of them. Make sure your expectations are age-appropriate.
As a parent, we have to realize that we are also not going to be perfect all the time. If we strive for perfection, we will only let ourselves down. We must pick ourselves up when we feel we have failed and start anew.
14.) Don’t Forget To Take Care Of Yourself
One big thing I am guilty of is not taking care of myself. Often it is so hard to squeeze in time for me in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is harder to be patient and available to our children if we are not caring for ourselves. However, parenting is so much easier when our own needs are met. Make your own needs a priority and find a good balance.
15.) Watch Out For Accidental Rewards
Accidental rewards happen when children get what they want while they are misbehaving. As parents, we reach our breaking point and give in to the child, giving them what they are crying or fussing about. When children get what they want when misbehaving, they will likely do the behavior again. Children will often escalate in an attempt to get what they want.
16.) Children Pick Up On How You Talk To People
Your children watch you always and will pick up on how you speak to others. If they hear a parent shouting, swearing, or calling names, they will think it is okay and normal behavior. They learn a lot about their world by watching others, so be a good example.
17.) Talk With Your Child Often
Start implementing daily conversations with your children about everyday events. It helps them develop their speech and social skills and build confidence. They are also learning that someone in their world is interested in what they have to say.
18.) Break Down A Long Task
We can get aggravated when our children don’t do a task we ask them. One thing to consider is if the task you are requesting has too many steps. If a task is very long, break it down into smaller bits. It helps create teachable moments by mastering one step at a time.
19.) Implement a Reward Chart
We all enjoy rewards! I collect my stars at Starbucks to earn my free coffee by doing the behavior Starbucks wants me to do—buying more Starbucks. Children will work well with a Rewards Chart to help implement the good behaviors you want them to do.
Say precisely what will earn a star, and say it positively. Say when they will get a star. Determine how many stars will get a reward and what the reward will be.
20.) Stay Consistent
One of the hardest parts of parenting can be consistency. We get tired and overwhelmed, which can easily have us reverting to old parenting behaviors. Try to stay consistent with discipline, positive reinforcement, and taking care of yourself. The outcomes are worth it!
Save This Post For Later
20 Useful Parenting Tips I Learned Through Triple P-Positive Parenting Program
