CODE OF CONDUCT: CREATING A POSITIVE FAMILY ENVIRONMENT FOR THE CHILDREN
Introduction
The family is regarded as the basic social institution. It lays the foundation for the child’s values, attitudes, behaviors and his or her whole personality. (2005) stated that children have the right to live in a caring family environment or climate where interpersonal relationships and emphasis on the direction of personal growth are present (, 2002).
(2004) listed three ways to tackle child-rearing responsibilities that can help parents perform the toughest job in the world – raising children – and create a warm culture in the home.
Nurture the Child’s Self-esteem – Praising the child’s accomplishments, however small, will make him or her feel proud; letting him or her do things independently will make him or her feel capable and strong. By contrast, belittling comments or comparing the child unfavorably with another will make him or her feel worthless. Let the child know that everyone makes mistakes and he or she will still be loved, even when his or her behavior is not.
Make Communication a Priority – Children want and deserve explanations as much as adults do. Parents who reason with their children allow them to understand and learn in a nonjudgmental way. Discuss problems and issues with the child and offer alternatives.
Flexibility and Unconditional Love – Children need attention and parents should find time to be available. Continuous guidance and affection help children feel that the parents are there no matter what. Also cultivate good traits in the child like respect, friendliness, honesty, kindness, tolerance. Above all, respect children and teach them to respect other people as well.
Effective Discipline
The parents’ job is to help children navigate life’s journey of discovery. And one of the navigational tools at their disposal is discipline (2003). The goal of discipline according to (2004) is to help children choose acceptable behaviors and learn self-control. (2002) argued that discipline should be based on expectations that are appropriate for the age of the child and it should be used to set reasonable, consistent limits while permitting choices among acceptable alternatives. Punishment for breaking a rule should not be physical or verbal abuse. It should be the withdrawal of a privilege and/or a natural consequence. ( 2004). (2006) reported that parents should mean what they say to the children using a firm voice and ensuring that they have the child’s attention. The key in discipline is consistency.
(2004) added that parents should focus on three fundamental components of effective, positive discipline: protection, affection and correction. Protection was interpreted as the need for the children to feel safe. This means not only setting clear boundaries and limits but also preparing children to the reality of a complicated society to avoid fear or hatred. Affection, on the other hand, should be constant reminders of the love parents have for their children, be it in words or actions. By correction, the author said that it means addressing inappropriate behavior in a way that encourages a child to improve his or her actions instead of making him or her feel bad. Correction should emphasize the meaning behind the rules and limits, not just the behavior.
References
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