Intentional Strength-Based Parenting
The Three Pillars
Three simple, powerful ideas form the foundation of an intentional strength-based parenting approach:
- Be intentional -- let your vision guide you. A child’s values and character build resilience for navigating through life, and are open to a parent’s teaching and guidance.
- Have a vision for yourself as a parent. How do you want your children to speak of you when you’re gone? What kind of parent do you aspire to be?
- Have a vision for your child as an adult. What values and qualities do you want your child to show at 25? What kind of person do you hope she becomes?
- Stay positive -- work from strengths, both yours and your child’s. A child’s talents and temperaments are natural qualities determined at birth. Your role is to identify, nurture, guide and protect them -- not change them.
- Identify, accept, value and nurture your child’s core talents and temperament as a person.
- Identify, accept, value, and develop your own core talents and temperament as a person.
- Identify, accept, value, and connect with others’ talents as resources to inform, guide and support you and your child.
- Connect with your child and build a strong relationship.
- Be a “mindful” parent -- fully present in the moment. Use “teachable moments” each day as opportunities to teach, model, and coach your child in the values included in your vision for them.
- Be empathic. Tune into your children’s feelings and respond with unconditional acceptance and support.
