I want to be a positive parent but I’m impatient! How soon can I expect results?

If you make changes, you will see results! Here are some tips on making things happen effectively.

• Just do it! If you want results, you need to act differently, not just think about it!
• Search and replace. Identify what is going wrong and take positive steps to rectify the situation; this is usually enough to motivate children to improve their behaviour. You could be surprised by how quickly you get results.
• Don't give up. Changing the way you do things requires a huge effort, so do not despair at the first hurdle. Remember that the rewards are immense.
• Recognise progress. Be proud of each small step. Even if the problem behaviour does not stop straight away, it is likely to be reduced significantly. Once things improve it is easy to forget how bad they used to be.
• Congratulate yourself. Even if improvement to your family life is not as quick as you would like it to be, give yourself credit for changing old habits.
• You can see changes in days. Most people see a noticeable change in their children’s behaviour within a few days of using the positive parenting skills, some even seeing immediate improvement; other families take longer.
• Give it a month. Please try to give the skills a month of consistent use  not much in the context of your life with your children. Once you start seeing results you will never look back.
• Praise them. Make praising your children’s efforts a habit to keep them motivated.
• You may need to make several changes. No single step is always effective on its own.
• Talk to other parents. This will encourage you to continue with your plans.