As a parent when you are fully aware of your thresholds and capacities, are knowledgeable about the developing neurons and you are ready to boost your child’s self-esteem by using the right words to guide, interact, and redirect your child and know how to choose the appropriate materials for their learning then you should not have any problem with guiding your child to behaviors the way you want.

In a home environment, which is thriving in more Yes than No less friction happens. Experts say that intrinsic motivation is the key to your child behaviors. Therefore as parents you will have to provide the necessary structure where a child’s autonomy is not challenged from moment to moment and the child feels very empowered most of the time.

It doesn’t mean that you will never say no, but you will try to guide in a way that you encourage intrinsic motivation. It is wise to remember that young children are pleasers and will do anything if guided appropriately. In this essay, “The Theory Of Human Motivation”, Adam Maslow clearly states how human being, starting from a very young age, if guided properly achieve self regulation. Try to be a scaffold to your child, not a whip, and you will experience how your child will cooperate. In Montessori and Reggio Emilia classrooms this is exactly what happens. a child is at the centerstage and the main character, discipline just flows.

A willing attitude of children is observed clearly. When a parent is mindful of the intention, plays close attention, it becomes easier to guide the child to behave in an appropriate manner. A frustrated, upset, and cranky child cannot give that because his neurons will not cooperate so now we have a frustrated parent and a frustrated child. The question to ask yourself is which place are you coming from, authoritarian or authoritative ? “You work with me and I work with you” is a great place to start so be that authoritative parent.