Parenting is a full-time commitment that takes the better part of two decades, and involves the physical and emotional well-being of another human being. With a job description like that, one would assume every new parent receives ample training in child-rearing, but of course that’s not the case. While many other parents are eager to offer advice, sound empirical evidence based on psychological studies can be in short supply among one’s family and circle of friends.
Though possibly the world’s most difficult career, new parents receive only on-the-job training.
In recent decades, however, more and more parents are turning to science-backed parenting approaches to raise healthy, well-adjusted children. Programs like Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) are supported by decades of research and successful results. Especially when parenting becomes difficult or challenging, parents today are turning to proven psychological approaches.
Advantages of Psychological Parenting Programs
Often it can be difficult for a parent to have a clear view of a heated situation with their child, which is why an objective third party can be an invaluable resource. Working one-on-one or in a family setting with a qualified psychologist is an ideal way to focus on your family’s personal dynamic and the particular issues you’re facing. Other advantages are:
Judgement-free analysis – Our psychologists are here to help you and your family reach your full potential. Our blame-free approach allows parents to feel safe when discussing personal issues.
Objective parenting advice – The information and practises you’ll be taught are based on research and objective analysis, not opinions.
A positive, long-lasting relationship with one’s child – The greatest outcome that comes from psychology-based parenting programs is a healthy relationship between parent and child. By learning how your actions and words can affect your child, you’ll learn how to be a positive, encouraging influence in your child’s life.
More and more parents are pro-actively seeking developmental psychology guidelines.
What Does Developmental Psychology Promote?
Generally, developmental psychologists agree that an authoritative (not to be confused with authoritarian) parenting style is best for children without histories of abuse or any developmental disorders. The authoritative parenting style is defined by providing structure and consistency for children. Under an authoritative parenting style, a child has a clear understanding of what type of response his or her actions will get from their parents.
This type of clear, consistent structure is important to help the child grow up feeling safe and in control of his or her own actions and behaviour. The most important feature in any parent-child relationship, however, is an open and judgement-free line of communication. It is vital that a child be able to be honest with his or her parents in any situation.
These proven parenting styles can help you have a healthy, lasting relationship with your child.
When to Seek Psychological Assistance
Parents can turn to developmental psychology for a specific concern (“What’s the best way to respond when my child does this?”) or for more general parenting guidelines. Many parents seek help when they encounter a behavioural problem that they don’t know how best to handle, but there’s enormous benefit in learning about psychology-based parenting styles before any issues arise.
If you find that you’re experiencing difficulty communicating with your child, cannot set or enforce rules, or if you are simply interested in learning more about different parenting styles, please contact me today.