There is more to positive parenting than just acts of affection. And parents need to understand the importance of positive parenting in the overall well-being of their children. A lack of, or absence of positive parenting can actually take a toll on a child's emotional, psychological, physical or social development.
Positive parenting supports all facets of good and proper child development. And to become a positive parent to your child, you need to understand the value of love, understanding, support and of being protective and reasonable a model and teacher to him/her.

Research shows that for your child to flourish, parents need to be able to listen and respond sensitively to his/her needs and show empathy and respect for him/her as well. Positive parents know how to understand their child's temperament, are able to handle their difficulties but see the strengths in him/her.  Positive parents also set limits and expectations with reason and are firm and consistent in carrying them. They are able to set reasonable consequences for bad behavior without being punitive.

Positive parents are also protective of their child, giving him/her the safety and security their child needs. Being a protective parent is not just about being able to provide your child a safe, physical atmosphere but also an environment where s/he can explore emotions, experiment with ideas and establish relationships. Moreover, positive parents provide choices for their child and encourage him or her to decide and learn how to solve problems on his/her own, with reasonable expectations of success, of course. Positive parents also know just how important it is to set a good, learning example to their child – in thoughts, words and actions not just in the family but also in the community. This is so because children primarily look to them for guidance and imitate what they do.

Positive parenting is but considered to be the best approach to proper child development. It greatly determines what your child will become and creates a healthy and loving relationship between you and your child. Keep in mind, however, that positive parenting should not be all about being positive about what you do. For instance, your child may not feel positive about you setting certain limits or disciplining your child in a way you deem appropriate. Positive parenting should make children feel good about themselves too.

Positive parenting can be challenging to many parents, but there simple and yet tried and tested approaches to parenting your children well. These include comfort, play and teach. Comfort is what children need first from their parents. Comforting your child can give him/her a sense of security and value. Play is where your children's world should revolve in. It develops creativity in your child and encourages him/her to interact with and relate to others. Allow him/her to explore, discover and learn through play. Take part in your child's activities as well. Your child learns better when you are there to teach him/her. Teach is not only very important for a child's intellectual development but also for his/her ethical and moral development too.

These approaches build on daily, straightforward activities between you and your child. You don't need to have special equipment for it. It could be just reading your child a story, teaching him/her an interesting sport, eating together, etc. These everyday activities can turn out to be enriching experiences for you and your child.

Parents are directly responsible for the overall growth and development of their children. So bring out the best in them with positive parenting.