Adlerian child guidance is based on the tenets of Adlerian Psychology. Adlerian parenting include such ideas as encouragement, mutual respect, cooperation, security, natural and logical consequences, self-reliance, sense of belonging, and positive discipline.
There are many ways parents can build positive relationships with their children. For example, positive communication (active listening, support their ideas); emotional support (encouragement, hugs, acknowledge their feelings); show interest in the child’s life (inquire about what they like to do, talk over snacks); connect through interacting daily (engage in play and tasks together); and set boundaries (be consistent and flexible).
In his handout, Elements of Positive Relationships with Children, Wes Wingett discussed Dinkmeyer and McKay’s (1976) identification of four aspects of positive relationships.
- Demonstrating Respect: Establishing mutual respect
- Sharing Time: Helping to build and enhance positive human relationships
- Providing Encouragement: Focusing on a child’s assets, contributions and strengths; mistakes are seen as facilitating learning
- Communicating Love: Incorporating the three aspects above along with helping the child to be responsible and resourceful; show love
Wes added a fifth aspect:
- Taking Time for Training: Teaching children to do tasks for themselves and others; this also promotes self- reliance and self-sufficiency
Wes Wingett stated, “these components provide the atmosphere for relationships based on social equality”.
Building positive relationship with children can promote emotional regulation, foster social development, improve communication skills, learn to cope with challenges or stress, help them to feel that they belong, valued, and significant, prepare them for success in the future, and contribute to their overall mental health and wellbeing.