Think Positive Parenting means giving trophies for everything and letting kids call the shots? You’re not alone. Misconceptions about Positive Parenting are everywhere—and many parents write it off before learning what it really is.
As a former skeptic myself, I get it. But after seeing the dramatic transformation in my own family, I’m here to set the record straight. Let’s bust the 5 most common myths about Positive Parenting—so you can decide what works best for your family, based on facts, not fluff.
Myth #1: Positive Parenting Is All About Rewards
(Truth: It avoids rewards in favor of intrinsic motivation.)
When I ask parents what Positive Parenting strategies they currently use, I always hear at least one parent say “We use a rewards chart.”
For years, the lines between positive reinforcement and Positive Parenting have been blurred, leading parents to believe they are one and the same.
The truth is, Positive Parenting advises AGAINST using rewards because they don’t work long-term.
Multiple studies have shown that rewards may deliver temporary compliance, but when used over time, they actually ERODE the child’s INTRINSIC interest in whatever activity they were being rewarded for.
Further, rewards are a slippery slope which can lead to an attitude of entitlement. If you’re willing to reward your child with a cookie for cleaning her room, it seems reasonable she would hold out for that sweet treat the next time you ask her to complete any other task. And be sure, that cookie will eventually become hum-drum and you’ll have to up the ante to something more appealing.
If you’re ready to ditch the rewards and want to know what to do instead, here are just a few parenting techniques that will get the result you’re looking for without the “what’s in it for me” attitude.
Myth #2: Kids Don’t Face Real Consequences
(Truth: Logical and natural consequences are essential.)
Positive Parenting critics often think parents are encouraged to simply “talk” and “discuss” behavioral problems with children instead of holding them accountable with consequences.
In Positive Parenting, we always start with teaching the child the alternative appropriate behavior and setting clear expectations. However, when children make poor choices, they experience the natural consequences of those choices.
For example, if the child refuses to do his homework, the natural consequence is a poor grade or a difficult conversation with the teacher. The positive parent certainly wouldn’t step in and protect the child from that important learning opportunity.
If technology rules are not followed, the logical consequence is the child would lose technology privileges for a period of time.
In fact, I’ve created a FREE ONLINE CLASS that teaches parents the ins and outs of consequences and how to use them effectively. If you’ve ever wondered how to implement consequences in a way that FINALLY works, I’d love to have you join me.
Myth #3: Kids Are Constantly Praised
(Truth: Positive Parenting focuses on encouragement, not empty praise.)
Parents who question Positive Parenting strategies often feel like we live in the “self-esteem” era. It is true that well-intentioned voices want to curate positive self-esteem in children, but Positive Parenting proponents see positive self-esteem as a byproduct of Positive Parenting – not the starting point.
While the distinction between praise and encouragement isn’t immediately obvious to some, words of praise are related to the outcome of a situation or to a child’s personality or character.
Examples of Praise include:
“You’re so smart!”
“That’s a beautiful picture!”
“You’re so beautiful!”
“You’re the best soccer player on your team!”
“You’re so talented!”
The problem with these phrases, while well-meaning, is they actually discourage a child in the long-run.
What happens to the child who DOESN’T receive first place at the art show even though she’s been told over and over she is “the best artist in 3rd grade.”
Or what about the kid who gets a C on a math test, but was always told, “You’re so smart!”
Do these kids know how to overcome these challenges? Or are they too discouraged by these small setbacks?
When children receive overwhelming amounts of praise, they become dependent on it and begin to care more about others’ opinions than their own motivation. You’ll hear them say, “Did I do this right?” or “Do you like it?” or “Are you proud of me?”
Instead of showering children with praise, use words of encouragement instead.
Unlike praise, words of encouragement focus on a child’s effort. This distinction is important because when children’s EFFORTS are encouraged, they become more intrinsically motivated. There is no talk of “best” or “smartest” or “fastest” and children can instead focus on the hard work behind the task.
Examples of Encouragement include:
“Wow! You worked really hard on that!”
“I love the colors you chose in your picture!”
“You should feel proud of yourself for all your hard work!”
“I love seeing you smile!”
“I could tell you were giving it your all in the soccer game!”
“Your hard work is really paying off!”
For more information on the differences between praise and encouragement, check out this article.
Myth #4: It Creates Co-Dependent Kids
(Truth: It actually builds independence and capability.)
Parents worldwide desire to raise resilient, capable, independent adults–so the question is, how do you do it?
While critics may think Positive Parenting creates co-dependent children, the opposite is true. There is no other parenting method that encourages children’s self-autonomy and capabilities the way Positive Parenting techniques do.
As early as 18 months, wee ones can carry the diaper to the pail and put pajamas in a basket. At two, littles can pick up toys and get a cup out of a bottom cabinet–these tasks, though simple, encourage kids to help at a young age and lay the foundation for responsible living.
Positive Parenting fosters a strong sense of personal autonomy and capability at all ages.
The truth is, children are much more capable than we give them credit for. Often, when children are young, parents deter a child’s offer to “help” because “their help” often means more work on the parent. However, parents should take the time when these kiddos are young if they expect children to volunteer to help later.
Myth #5: It’s Just Fluffy Theory
Truth: It’s rooted in well-established Adlerian Psychology
In the Internet Age, it can be tricky to know if you’re getting the best information, and that’s especially true when it comes to parenting advice.
If you’re stumbling upon Positive Parenting for the first time, you might imagine a circle of moms in a zen-like state discussing the beauty within each of their children while unicorns dance around the room and their children play with fairy dust.
But the truth is, Positive Parenting is anything but fluffy. It has been tediously vetted, repeatedly studied, and its tactics have stood the test of time.
What makes Positive Parenting so effective is that the methodology isn’t age-specific, gender-specific, culture-specific or even behavior-specific. Positive Parenting aims to meet the hard-wired needs that all children have–the needs for belonging and significance.
I’ve been a parenting educator for 15+ years and have helped transform over 75,000 families using Positive Parenting Solutions Tools. You can feel confident knowing that Positive Parenting will produce results in YOUR home as it has for thousands of families worldwide.
Final Thoughts
You want to be the best parent you can be—and that journey starts with good information, not parenting myths.
Hopefully, these common misconceptions about Positive Parenting are now a thing of the past. This approach isn’t permissive or fluffy—it’s research-backed, real-world effective, and incredibly empowering for both parents and kids.
If you’re still on the fence, check out these 5 Positive Parenting Techniques you can start using today and see how quickly things can shift in your home.
And if you’re ready for even more tools to reduce power struggles and get your kids to listen without yelling or nagging, I’d love to invite you to my FREE ONLINE CLASS. In just 30 minutes, you’ll learn practical, proven strategies that truly work.
You’ve got this—and I’m here to help every step of the way.
