Positive communication and positive thinking are powerful. There is no doubt about that fact.
Not complaining actually has science supporting the positive impact it has on your body. I have to work hard at positive communication, in general, not only with my kids but also with my husband. I have always been a glass half full the of gal. I wish that fact were different but alas I am working with I got, folks.
Thanks for sticking with me.
I am prone to negative thinking, yes, but I work hard to be positive. For me, I have to work every day at being positive. Through metacognition (I'm a huge fan of these Complaint Free World bracelets) I'll be able to lead a more positive life.
As a parent, I feel strongly about Positive Discipline and Positive Communication. I am being completely serious when I tell you that I print out words and phrases to help remind me of what to say in the moment.
Consider these printouts a prompt. I figure after some time and practice, these positive words and phrases will become ingrained in my brain. Positive communication will become second nature to me. I am happy to report that this approach is working for me!
Positive Communication Ideas Parents Need to Try
- Use words like “encouraged” and “happy”- “I feel very encouraged when you help your classmate.”
- “I support your words.”
- “Use your walking feet” instead of “Don’t run.”
- “Please be careful with my body” instead of “Don’t hurt me.”
- Use ‘I’ like “I feel happy when you help me. Please ask me again sometime.”
- I also really like to respond to kids in this way to make the situation less of a battle: “I can't let you hit your brother,” instead of “Don't hit your brother!”
- For every “negative” make sure to accompany it with a three positives
- When giving feedback, use the sandwich approach
- Speak to a child as you would speak to an adult
Positive communication is one way of integrating Montessori at Home. There is a myriad of other ways to bring the Montessori method into your home!
Let me know how it goes!
Marnie