How Can Parents Support Positive Personality Development In Children?

How can parents support positive personality development in children? The short answer? Mindful parenting. 

Mindful parenting is an approach to raising children that focuses on the intentional cultivation of their emotional, intellectual, and social development and environment. It encourages the growth of inner strengths in children. Mindful parenting could one day help children to become functioning, independent adults one day. Mindful parenting supports positive personality development in children. It can help them to cultivate their own unique gifts and express who they are.  

Mindful parenting is also about empowering children. As Helen Bee, an American psychologist, once said, “Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths. The final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.” 

How can parents support positive personality development in children (1)?  Encouraging Mindful Communication 

 

 

If we know that mindful parenting is based on positive parenting strategies that support children’s healthy emotional and psychological growth, then engaging in mindful communication is key. Mindful communication is when parents are thoughtful about what they say to their children, how it comes off, and how their children may react to what they say.

Feedback is important as well. If I say something to my child that I think may have stung, I may ask how it made her feel either in the moment or later because I am being mindful of how my comments might shape her identity, how she sees herself, and how she might see the world. 

How can parents support positive personality development in children (2)? Foster Mindful Habits in Children

Effective parenting takes time and effort. By creating mindful habits in our children, we can support their positive personality development. We should consciously teach our children to be aware of their thoughts and feelings. Doing so helps them to understand and validate their own feelings. 

Among the most effective strategies for encouraging mindful habits in children is communication. Clear and open communication helps children to better understand the importance of communicating their own thoughts and feelings, as well as understanding the perspectives of others. To foster mindful habits in children, parents must be conscious of the way they respond to their children. The use of positive and thoughtful language also encourages this habit, as children become more conscious of the thoughts and feelings of those around them.

As author and child, psychologist Dr. Jed Baker suggests, “Fostering mindful habits in the early years not only puts children on a strong track to emotional regulation and successful relationships but also helps to reduce lifetime risks of stress-related diseases.” 

How can parents support positive personality development in children (3)? Practice Gratitude and Acceptance in Parenting

Gratitude opens the door to connection and is closely linked to positive feelings and relationships. Expressing gratitude opens us up to recognizing the inherent value in all people and things in the world. Parents can model gratitude for their children by taking time to think about and appreciate the wonderful aspects of life. By accepting their children unconditionally, parents can create an environment of security and trust. Acceptance helps children to engage in learning in a safe and secure environment, thereby fostering a sense of autonomy without feeling overwhelmed.

Rewarding Yourself as a Mindful Parent

 

It is essential for parents to recognize and reward the efforts they have made to support the positive development of their children. Parents should take pride in their hard work in mindful parenting, as each step taken is a stepping stone to creating a healthier, more loving relationship between parent and child. 

As such, mindful parents should recognize the value and importance of their own well-being. When parents take time to prioritize and reward themselves, they are contributing to their own growth. In the words of Dr. Laura Markham, “My number one job as a parent isn’t teaching my kid to be good. It’s making sure I’m being good.” Investing in one’s own well-being by recharging is critical. Whether it is through an act as simple as taking a walk in the park or engaging in a hobby, rewards allow parents to further develop their mindset of mindful parenting and, in turn, positively influence their child’s behavior and overall development.

Want to learn more about mindful parenting? Click here.