Positive instructions

"Don't do this, don't do that." "You're not allowed to touch that object, eat that food…" There really are a great many instructions, and your little one doesn't know which way to turn. That's a perfect introduction to today's topic on positive instructions!

It has to be said that even we, as adults, when we're told not to do something… what is the very first thing we want to do? Exactly! The very thing we've been told not to!

Positive instructions: a key to gentle parenting?

Some might ask, "What on earth is this new concept?" We completely understand! And we're not here to lecture anyone — far from it! Let's simply look at this as another way of approaching the rules with your child.

A young child, depending on their age, will only understand simple instructions. So for them to follow the rules of the house, they first need to be able to understand them. All of that seems quite logical so far!

Positive instructions are therefore there to guide your little one and steer them in the right direction. We would rather avoid negative directives, so as not to draw your child's attention towards them!

If we tell you: "Look at the mouse and don't look at the yellow giraffe." What will you be tempted to do? Look at the yellow animal, of course. Now imagine that same concept with a child between the ages of 1 and 4. Or even older. That's a bit what positive instructions are all about!

A few examples of positive instructions

Here are a few examples to put into practice every day:

• "Walk gently," instead of "Don't run!";
• "It's hot, move away," instead of "It's hot, don't touch!";
• "Speak quietly," rather than "Stop shouting";

You'll certainly have got the idea by now!

Discover our other blog topics

If these topics particularly interest you, do have a browse of our blog! You'll find advice on how to get through the "Terrible Twos" with your head held high.

Or how to handle "Night terrors" without losing the plot yourself!