Bed times without the battles and shopping without the stropping – new positive parenting campaign gets underway

Parenting. Give it time (External link) shows how offering encouragement and praising children for good behaviour is more effective than harsh punishments when children do things wrong.

The campaign provides a dedicated website and Facebook page offering tips and information for parents about ways to help take some of the stress out of everyday family activities, such as bed time, bath time and the weekly food shop. The website also provides details of organisations for parents who may need further help and support.

Parenting. Give it Time encourages parents to talk and listen to their children and encourage better behaviour by adopting positive parenting strategies. The campaign also sets out the importance of parents looking after their own health and well-being to help them better manage stressful situations.

Launching the campaign at the Tiny Tigers childcare setting at Mount Stuart Primary School in Cardiff, the Minister said:

“Parenting. Give it Time is not about telling parents how to raise their children or providing a strict set of ‘parenting rules’ – it is about supporting parents and recognising that, although incredibly rewarding, being a Mum or Dad isn’t easy.

“As a mother, I hope the advice and information we’re providing can help parents build on their strengths and learn new ways of doing things, which could benefit their lives and strengthen family relationships.

“Nobody has all the answers and there is no such thing as a perfect parent. However, research shows both children and parents really benefit from a positive parenting style. Children display improved behaviour and better social and emotional development, while Mums and Dads benefit from increased confidence and less stress and conflict in the home.”

The Chief Nursing Officer for Wales, Professor Jean White, added:

“Being a parent or main carer for a child is a big responsibility and is both rewarding and challenging in equal measure. The early years are particularly important for a child’s physical and emotional development and sets the individual on their path for adulthood.

“I support this new positive parenting campaign as it seeks to provide parents with the support they need to adopt positive approaches in the way they care for their child in these important early years.”

The campaign is intended to run for three years. The first phase will run from November 2015 until the end of March 2016.