The Best Parenting is Proactive Parenting

The best parenting is proactive parenting. Whatever parenting challenge you are facing right now, think about how you can address it proactively (before it occurs), rather than reactively (after it occurs). This means before the tantrum, before the mess, before the sibling conflict, before trying to get out of the house.

Reflect on what the issue is and how you can get ahead of it.

Transitions tend to trigger tantrums? Give your child an overview of the day in the morning so they know what to expect.

Kids whining and asking for a toy in the grocery store? Discuss expectations for behavior and set clear boundaries about not buying a toy before walking into the store.

Take the time to discuss and problem solve with your child when everyone is calm and receptive. In the moment when we are upset and overwhelmed is not the time to decide on how to best handle a situation. A proactive conversation encourages both parents and children to be thoughtful and creative when looking for solutions and reinforces the feeling of being on the same team, problem solving together. Your child will likely have some brilliant ideas and will feel empowered and capable when you ask them to help come up with a creative solution.

How will you parent proactively this week?