Positive parenting is about creating a nurturing environment based on mutual respect, where children feel safe and supported, and can grow into happy, responsible adults. The purpose of positive parenting and positive discipline is to teach children boundaries, values, and behaviour in a non-punitive way.
Positive discipline is how you guide and teach your child in a way that protects and socializes them to have self-control, be independent, and respect themselves and others. The goal is to use positive parenting skills that encourage your child’s sense of responsibility, nurture self-esteem and strengthen your relationship with your child. This may involve setting limits, explaining why a certain behaviour is wrong and what can be done instead, discussing values, and using distraction, time-ins, and natural or logical consequences.
Punishment is a form of negative discipline. Hitting, yelling, shaming, threatening, sarcasm, being distant/cold, commanding, using verbally abusive language and guilting your child can hurt your child physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
Based on evidence and research, HPCAS does not support physical discipline or punishment of children. This contributes to normalizing violence and is a risk factor for a number of long-term physical and mental health struggles in children and youth into adulthood.