Just what Is Encouragement? Why is it so important to be an encouraging parent?
What can you say to be more encouraging? How can you say it?
Encouragement means to give ‘heart.’ This class offers ways to be more encouraging by offering phrases that communicate care and not criticism. You can strengthen your parent-child relationship with words that sound good to the ears and the heart.
Telling your child, “I love you, but you need to stop doing this or that” gives the message that whatever comes before the ‘but’ is not true. Saying “I love you, AND you need to start doing this” gives the message that you love your child and that you will support and guide your child toward better behavior. It is important to be sure the message of love gets through. Otherwise, if the child does not feel loved they may not believe that you are offering support and may not ‘do’ what the parent is guiding them to ‘do.’
Encouragement does not mean being permissive. It means being empowering which is one of the most important ways for parents to relate to their child and later their teen. Encouraged children are more likely to have better behavior, positive friendships, and positive relationships with their family members.
This class will be led by Jennifer Watanabe, long-time parent coach and parent educator.
