Page 84 - The Intentional Parent

decision maker or leader. Here are some intentions to help remind you to stay in charge of incentivizing your kids:
I will remember how important it is to accentuate the positives and not react as much to the negatives.
Compliments and praise are important motivators but they should also be consistent with a child’s level of performance. “Good,” “Very Good,” and “Great” are all forms of praise for different levels of performance.
I can give my child “unconditional love” while still expressing high levels of expectation for performance.
Material possessions do not a well behaved child make.
Non-contingent reinforcement (random acts of parental kindness without the expectation of performance of any kind) is a parents right, privilege and responsibility, but I promise not to overdo it.
If my kid gets mad at me, he or she will get over it.
I don’t have to be my child’s friend to be a good leader. In fact, it is often harder to lead your child when you consider them your equal.
I will not abdicate my leadership because my child is having a tantrum over something they want which I refuse to give them.
The Intentional Parent by Peter J. Favaro, Ph.D. 84