When it comes to reading literature on parenting, there is a lot of material out there. Some books or guides work better than others, but often it’s about simplifying tips and guidance down into easily remembered, manageable chunks. This is why lots of people are talking about the “three Cs”, as these keywords are easy to remember and central to developing a positive parenting style. If you haven’t heard of the three Cs before, this short guide will introduce them and explain how they can help you.
Consistency
Have you ever heard other parents or teachers use the phrase “consistency is key”? It’s absolutely true, as children expect adults to stick to their word. Children also need routines to help them feel safe and secure, so make sure that you are consistent with your boundaries, expectations, and routines. You can make this explicit, for example by drawing up a rewards chart or a timetable for your family’s week, or you can simply verbally remind your kids of your boundaries and expectations, demonstrating consistency in this way.
Compassion
Compassion should be central to any parenting style, as this is one of the ways that you can demonstrate your love for your child, which in turn will help them to feel safe and know that they can trust you. You can show compassion in lots of different ways – listen to them carefully when they come to you with a problem, show empathy if they are hurt or scared, or model how you care for other vulnerable beings, whether it’s your family pet, some seedlings or an injured animal. By making compassion a central part of your parenting style, you will support your child to develop their own compassion and empathy.
Celebration
It’s really important to mark special events and celebrate your child’s achievements, as this can act as a wonderful source of motivation. It also helps your family to establish new traditions, whether it’s getting a take-out for someone’s birthday, or heading to the ice rink to celebrate some great grades. These kinds of traditions help you to establish your family identity, and in turn, help your kids to feel secure and settled within this.