By Dr. Vini Jhariya | Child & Clinical Psychologist | Urjasvini Child Development Centre
Introduction: Navigating Parenting with Purpose
Parenting is one of the most fulfilling roles in life — but let’s be honest, it’s also one of the most challenging. Between school routines, tantrums, emotional ups and downs, and the constant worry about “doing it right,” many parents feel overwhelmed.
The truth is, there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. But there are proven strategies that can help you raise emotionally strong, confident, and cooperative children — and build a peaceful, connected home along the way.
As a practising Child Psychologist in Indore, I’ve worked with hundreds of families navigating challenges with behaviour, confidence, speech delays, and emotional regulation. Whether your child is dealing with tantrums, anxiety, or difficulty following instructions, these strategies can help.
Let’s explore 10 research-based ways to nurture your child’s well-being — emotionally, socially, and behaviorally.
1. Acknowledge Positive Behaviour
Children respond better to positive reinforcement than constant correction. Instead of focusing only on what your child is doing “wrong,” try to notice and appreciate when they do something right.
- Praise effort, not just results: “You worked so hard on that drawing!”
- Recognise kindness: “I saw you share your toy — that was so thoughtful.”
When you highlight positive behaviour, your child feels seen and valued. This builds self-esteem and motivates them to repeat those behaviours. It’s a simple but powerful tool used widely by every experienced child behavioural therapist.
2. Coach Their Emotions
Children often struggle to express big feelings like frustration, anger, or sadness. They need adults to help them make sense of their emotions.
- Instead of saying “Stop crying,” try “I see you’re upset — do you want to talk about it
- Help them label emotions: “Are you feeling mad because your friend didn’t share?”
This process is called “emotion coaching” and is central to emotional development. If your child has experienced emotional distress or trauma, working with a childhood trauma therapist near me can provide the tools to heal and regulate emotions in healthy ways.
3. Define and Model Core Values
Children thrive in environments with clear expectations and consistent values. Sit down as a family and define what matters most in your home — respect, honesty, kindness, or responsibility.
Then, model those values in daily life. Say “thank you,” admit mistakes, show kindness, and reinforce these values when your child expresses them.
When children understand why rules and expectations exist, they are more likely to cooperate without power struggles.
4. Practice Positive Discipline
Discipline is not about punishment. It’s about teaching and guiding.
- Use natural consequences: “If we leave toys on the floor, someone might trip. Let’s clean up together.”
- Avoid harsh language or blame. Instead, focus on solutions and learning.
Positive discipline helps your child feel safe while learning responsibility. It also avoids damaging their self-esteem — something we prioritize in counselling for child behaviour near me.
5. Encourage Independence
Letting your child take on small responsibilities (even imperfectly) helps build their confidence.
- Let them dress themselves, even if their shirt is backward
- Encourage them to pour their own water or pack their school bag
- Involve them in small decisions like choosing snacks or bedtime stories
These moments teach self-reliance, boost decision-making skills, and reduce dependency — all of which contribute to long-term emotional strength.
6. Speak with Clarity and Respect
Children often resist unclear or negative commands. For example:
- “Don’t shout!”
- “Please use a calm voice.”
Clear, respectful communication reduces resistance, confusion, and misbehaviour. It also teaches children how to express themselves respectfully — a skill that contributes to emotional intelligence and better peer relationships.
This strategy is emphasised in sessions with the best child therapist because how we talk to our children shapes how they talk to themselves.
7. Offer Choices with Boundaries
Giving children a sense of control fosters cooperation. Offer age-appropriate choices within set limits:
- “You can finish homework now or after your snack — which do you prefer?”
- “Would you like to wear the red shirt or the blue one today?”
When children are given choices, they feel empowered — and that reduces power struggles. It also encourages problem-solving and decision-making skills.
8. Understand Their Unique Personality
Every child is different — in temperament, pace of learning, emotional needs, and social preferences.
Some are naturally sensitive and cautious, while others are bold and expressive. Take time to observe your child’s natural personality and adapt your parenting approach accordingly.
If your child has difficulty adjusting or displays signs of anxiety or hyperactivity, consult with a professional. A child behavioural therapist or childhood trauma therapist near me can help you better understand and support their needs.
9. Take Care of Yourself
Parenting is emotionally demanding, and burnout is real. You can’t pour from an empty cup — which is why your well-being matters.
- Get enough rest
- Take breaks when needed
- Connect with supportive people
- Seek mental health support if needed
Your mood, tone, and energy directly affect your child’s emotional environment. Calm parents create calm homes. At Urjasvini, we also support parents through coaching and emotional resilience workshops.
10. Set Realistic Expectations
Many conflicts happen because our expectations don’t match our child’s developmental stage. A toddler won’t sit still for long, and a 10-year-old may forget tasks occasionally — and that’s normal.
- Adjust your expectations based on age and maturity
- Respond with compassion, not criticism
Understanding developmental psychology is key. If your child is struggling with language, attention, or social delays, consult the best child speech therapist near me or a child psychologist to get a clear understanding of your child’s abilities.
Final Thoughts: Small Shifts, Big Results
You don’t need to transform everything overnight. Choose one or two of these strategies and apply them consistently. Be patient. Be curious. And most importantly, be kind — to yourself and your child.
When children feel:
– Emotionally secure
– Seen and understood
– Respected and guided
…they naturally become happier, more confident, and cooperative.
How We Can Help
At Urjasvini Child Development Center, we provide:
- Parent Coaching & Emotional Intelligence Workshops
- Counselling for Child Behaviour Near You
- Speech and Language Support
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Emotional and Behavioral Assessments
- Early Intervention Therapy