A successful family to me is one where all members feel respected and accepted. Cooperation is built because of emotional connection and a commitment to developing healthy relationships. As a result, family members can discuss concerns and solve problems together. When parents need to direct children towards more socially acceptable behavior, it is done with teaching rather than punishment.
Here are the 7 key concepts of the parenting philosophy that I teach in my classes and use in my private parenting education coaching sessions.
- Develop loving and connected life-long relationships between family members by evaluating your interactions with this question, “Is what I am about to say or do going to build or break the relationship?”
- Nurture with unconditional love, support personal growth, and protect children from physical and emotional harm.
- Use non-judgmental listening in order to create a connected and accepting environment for problem-solving or for correcting misdirected behavior.
- Create a balance between nurturing the relationship and structuring the environment.
- Embrace an Ally Parenting Approach where children feel you are at their side rather than against them.
- Choose the appropriate parenting role for each situation; either a director, collaborator, or supporter.
- View parenting and family challenges as opportunities for everyone’s personal growth.
I have written many articles that will guide you on how to develop the mindset and skills to create a successful family.
Go to my
blog page to get a list of important articles to read.
©2015 Cynthia Klein, Bridges 2 Understanding, has been a Family Success Coach since 1994. She works with parents and organizations who want more cooperation, mutual respect and understanding between adults and children. Cynthia presents her expertise through speaking and private parenting coaching sessions. She writes the Middle School Mom column for the Parenting on the Peninsula magazine. She works with parents of 4 – 25 year-old children.
