Choose Democratic Parenting

You want your child to grow up into an adult who has integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing- especially when no one is watching.

In order to raise a child who becomes and adult with integrity- become a democratic parent. (not affiliated with any political party :)





You can become a democratic parent by:

• Withholding personal judgment when your child makes a mistake, misbehaves, or makes a poor decision. Talk about the behavior and not the person. Be sure your child understands that your love for them is unconditional.
• Meet your child's five critical emotional needs, including the need to feel respected. The result will be mutual respect between you and your child. Cooperation will come more easily with the strong connection you develop.
• Give your child the tools to increase her internal sense of self-control by working through problems together and offering opportunities to "do it over". Children can not become adults who problem solve and make good decisions unless they been given plenty of opportunities to develop this skill over time.  
• Seek to build your knowledge base by reading books such as "How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Children" by Dr. Gerald Newmark, "Redirecting Children's Behavior" by Kathryn Kvols and "Positive Discipline" by Dr. Jane Nelsen, attending parenting workshops, and joining parenting support groups.
• Become a student of your own behavior- become a proactive parent with a plan.

"A goal without a plan is just a wish.” - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Democratic parenting helps your child become aware that her choices and the results of those choices are under her control. With a strong internal sense of self-control and self-responsibility- good choices will follow, regardless if no one is watching.