5 Parenting Methods For Children To Have Empathy

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JAKARTA - Choosing a parenting method can be done many times until the parents feel it is suitable for the techniques applied for the development of their little ones. Of the many methods, there is one parenting approach that is currently being discussed, namely peaceful parenting, which emphasizes gentle and mindful ways.

This parenting also emphasizes cooperative solutions and invites children to empathize in realizing their mistakes rather than punishing them. Thus, children are more responsible for their actions.

So, how do you transform into this parenting style? Here are 5 tips for transitioning to peaceful parenting from Laura Markham, Ph.D., author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How To Stop Yelling and Start Connecting as reported by Parenting and Psychologytoday, Friday, October 15.

Make Peace with Yourself

Children's behavior is sometimes unpredictable. When he's upset, instead of responding with anger, try to stop talking, take a breath, and stop what you're doing for a moment. It aims to control your emotions.

Focus on Interconnection

Having a strong bond between a child and a parent can help improve a difficult situation. Without a bond, you always feel emotionally tested and the child is not motivated to correct behavior.

Explain What Happened

When the child has calmed down, explain why you are asking the child to suffer the consequences for his actions. Don't forget to keep motivating him, for example by saying your child has behaved better than before.

Give a sense of security

When your child is upset, stay calm and don't be provoked into anger. The more you are able to show empathy and patience, the more secure your child will be and he will be able to unravel his own frustrations. When your child is able to express emotions to you, the more he will be able to heal himself.

Explain with Story

Use stories to make it easier for children to understand emotions. For example, tell how you used to get angry because you didn't understand what your child wanted. But now, you're trying hard to contain your anger so he doesn't have to be afraid to say what he wants. When telling stories, keep your empathy forward and don't analyze so that it doesn't seem like a teacher.