Use “Soft Power” for Life Time Connection
Soft Power parenting strategies focus on building the parent-child relationship as the foundation.
The child is viewed as a person with feelings and needs rather than an object for the parent to control and coerce with the focus on lifetime influence rather than immediate control.
This process involves the parent being willing to self-reflect then discard unhelpful beliefs and actions.
At the same time, the parent learns, practices and adopts relationship building parenting beliefs and strategies that last into adulthood.
Soft Power Areas To Develop
The Brain
Develop attitudes and actions that build a sense of connection between family members.
Warmth, safety and unconditional love are important for effectively working with children rather than trying to fix and control them.
The Heart
Understand that your child connects with you through the emotional center of the brain, the limbic system. Learn to be in touch with your feelings and your children’s.
Build heart-to-heart connection first before trying to influence or solve problems together.
Speaking
Gain awareness of how your words impact your children and others.
Step outside of your own perspective. Consider that others take in your messages from their own perspective.
Work on choosing words that don’t block communication so that the conversation can keep going.
Listen
Know the value you offer your children just by listening.
Spending time and energy with them tells your children, “You are important to me and I love you.”
Accept what you hear. Pay attention to not defending yourself. Find yourself someone to listen to you, as well.
Find Solutions Together
Keep in mind that when you solve problems together you are teaching your child essential life skills.
Mutual respect and collaboration builds confidence, courage and clarity of thinking.
