Parents say positive parenting works

Research released by the Families Commission, Discipline in Context: families’ disciplinary practices for children aged under five, shows a welcome trend, with the majority of parents embracing positive parenting techniques.

“Discipline has a lasting impact on the wellbeing of children so it’s important for parents to use positive techniques that support a child’s development and learning,” said Barnardos chief executive, Murray Edridge.

“This research shows parents are three times more likely to use positive reinforcement such as rewards, praise, reasoning and distraction to encourage good behaviour, than punishments.

“However, when punishment was considered necessary parents said the most effective strategies were time out and withdrawal of privileges.

“This research documents the shift that is starting to happen in NZ, with parents being authoritative without being authoritarian, and embracing positive parenting. A combination of the law change and family violence campaigns are thought to have contributed to the change.

“Upbringing, written material, family, the media, and friends were all influential in parenting choices.

“Importantly, parents with the most support were most likely to use positive disciplinary techniques.

“The research reinforces the roles of professionals such as early childhood teachers in supporting parents, suggesting there is a need for these people to receive professional development programmes focused on discipline so they are even better-equipped to support parents,” concluded Mr Edridge.