A Path to Effective Parenting
Parenting is far from easy and can present unique challenges, especially when from a distance. While a parent-child relationship could experience hardships due to limited or no access to an incarcerated parent, the parent’s influence still matters. That’s why ViaPath Technologies is offering exclusive parenting tips from our partner and mental health expert, Dr. Christian Conte.
Dr. Conte’s latest video gives viewers a high-level synopsis of his book on parenting, “Zen Parent, Zen Child,” where he helps parents intentionally connect with their children and their children’s needs while simultaneously acknowledging their own. In his video, Dr. Conte breaks down the 4C’s of effective parenting, what they are, what they mean and how they can be beneficial to any parent-child relationship.
DR. CONTE’S 4C’S OF PARENTING
CHOICES
Our children will master what they practice, and arguably the most important skill that children can ever practice is good decision-making. In this section, Dr. Conte shares insights on a practical method for how parents can emphasize choice in a way that guides their children into becoming good decision-makers.
CONSEQUENCES
All choices have consequences, good or bad. In this section Dr. Conte discusses the importance of presenting consequences in a way that helps children learn to weigh the difference between action and intent when making decisions.
CONSISTENCY
Consistency is about follow through and building creditability, which is important when it comes to guiding children. In this section, Dr. Conte explains the association between what you do and what you say and how it effects children. He breaks down how consistency helps parents to stick to measurable disciplinary actions and the structure it builds around a child’s learning experience.
COMPASSION
This section of the series focuses on the importance of parenting with love and compassion. The idea is that if we want our children to receive our instructions, we must be patient in our actions, reactions, and responses. Dr. Conte digs into the importance of discipline but helps us to see that it doesn’t have to come by way of aggression or violence. He encourages leading with compassion when disciplining children, as it is received much better.
“Parents who make profound life changes inspire and impact their children in ways beyond what they can imagine; that is why it’s never too late for any of us to become the best possible parent that we can be.”
– Dr. Christian Conte
