Nurturing Parenting

Written by: PATRICIA DE LA TORRE, LCSW

A parents’ love and caring will establish the foundation of how a child grows up and how a child will someday parent.  Nurturing means more than giving your child food, shelter and clothing. Nurturing Parenting is the idea of non-violent parenting style focusing on the child’s age-appropriate expectation of development.  It is about building a healthy and strong emotional relationship (attachment) between you and your child. It means being the person your child can count on for comfort whether she/he is a crying infant or a toddler having a temper tantrum. When parents promote nurturing parenting, young children have greater opportunities for early learning, through interactions that are emotionally supportive, be more creative and avoid symptoms of anxiety or depression.  

Nurturing Parenting Techniques:

·  Listen to your child and acknowledge her/his feelings

·  Spend time with your child

·  Give praise

·  Display love and warmth, make sure your child knows you love her/him, even when she/him misbehaves 

·  Develop a routine

·  Be a role model 

·  Protect your child from stress 

·  Invest in Self-Care

·  Participate in the Community 

Healthy parent involvement in the child’s day-to-day life lay the foundation for better social and academic skills. It is important to remember there’s no one way “right way”.  Different techniques work for different families and different situations.  Don’t try to be a “perfect” parent, there’s no such thing.  

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Written by: PATRICIA DE LA TORRE, MSW, LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER #78078