Mission to Thrive: Easy Actions for Lifelong Rewards
by Mr Ben and Ms Naw, LANNA’s Whole School Counsellors
Parenting in the early years is a journey filled with love, learning, and sometimes, a few challenges. At LANNA, we believe that fostering a strong partnership between home and school can pave the way for your child’s academic success and well-being. Recently, the Student Support Team hosted a workshop for Year 1 and Year 2 parents, sharing insights and practical strategies to nurture well-rounded, confident children. Here are some key takeaways tailored just for you:
The Foundation: Parenting Styles Matter
Parenting is about guiding, teaching, and nurturing. At the workshop, we explored four main parenting styles:
- Authoritarian (Rigid Ruler): Strict rules with limited flexibility can hinder children’s self-esteem and social skills.
- Permissive (Indulgent): Minimal boundaries may lead to lower maturity and behavioural challenges.
- Neglectful (Uninvolved): Basic needs might be met, but emotional engagement is crucial for development.
- Authoritative (Tender Teacher): A balanced approach with clear expectations, open communication, and emotional warmth fosters independence and confidence.
Takeaway: Aim for the “Tender Teacher” style—providing guidance while empowering your child to make choices.
Easy Actions to Build Lifelong Skills
Parenting doesn’t require perfection; it calls for consistency and care. Here are some simple, actionable strategies we discussed:
- Active Listening:
- Look at your child when they speak.
- Acknowledge their feelings and repeat back their words to show understanding.
- Encourage them to share more through open-ended questions.
- Set Clear Expectations:
- Use simple language to explain rules and reinforce them regularly.
- Lead by example—children learn best by watching your actions.
- Positive Reinforcement:
- Celebrate effort, not just outcomes. For instance, “I’m proud of how you kept trying!”
- Use specific praise and small rewards to encourage good behaviour.
- Collaborative Problem-Solving:
- Involve your child in identifying problems and brainstorming solutions.
- Teach them conflict-resolution skills through role-playing.
Creating a Secure Environment
Children thrive when they feel safe, seen, soothed, and secure. Here’s how to navigate common challenges:
- Refusal to Participate: Gently understand the root cause. Acknowledge their feelings and provide reassurance.
- Tantrums Over Rules: Stay calm. Set boundaries with empathy, helping them understand why the rule exists.
- Morning Struggles: Turn routines into a game or shared responsibility, empowering them to feel in control.
Remember, small, consistent efforts can lead to significant lifelong rewards.
Parenting Is a Team Effort
At LANNA, we are here to support you every step of the way. Our community of educators and parents works together to promote a nurturing and consistent environment at school and home.
Your child’s happiness and success begin with the strong foundation you provide today. As Dr. Dan Siegel beautifully said, “Parenting isn’t easy. Showing up is. Your greatest impact begins right where you are.”
Would you like more tips or resources? Connect with us to continue the conversation! Together, let’s make the journey of parenting rewarding and joyful.