What Are 5 Positive Parenting Tips That Will Change Your Home Forever?
You made it here because you love your little one so much. Maybe you have a tiny baby who cries a lot. Maybe you have a toddler who says “NO!” to everything. Or maybe you have a preschooler who asks “Why?” one thousand times a day. Whatever age your child is, you want the same thing every parent wants:
- Sweet morning cuddles
- Fewer tears and tantrums
- A child who feels safe, loved, and confident
- A home filled with laughter instead of battles
The best news in the world? You can have all of that. And you don’t need to shout, threaten, or spank to get it.
Today you are going to learn what are 5 positive parenting tips that top experts from UNICEF, the CDC, and KidsHealth say are the most powerful ways to raise happy children from birth to age 5. These tips are used by millions of parents in every country. They are simple1. They are gentle. And they work like magic.
Let’s jump in!
Why These 5 Positive Parenting Tips Are Different (and Better)
Years ago, many grown-ups thought hitting or yelling made children behave. Science now shows the opposite is true. When we use love, clear words, and patience:
- Children’s brains grow stronger
- They learn to share, listen, and solve problems
- They feel safe to try new things
- They love and trust their parents even more
UNICEF says it best: “Never use violence of any kind. A child’s dignity must always be respected.”
The CDC and KidsHealth agree: kind parenting creates happier kids and calmer homes.
The 5 Most Powerful Positive Parenting Tips You Need Right Now
1. Be There With Love Every Single Time They Need You (This Is the #1 Secret)
Babies and young children do not cry or melt down to make you mad. They cry because it is the only way they know how to say:
- “I’m hungry!”
- “I’m scared!”
- “I need a hug!”
- “Everything feels too big right now!”
What to do every single time:
- Stop what you are doing (if you can) and go to them quickly.
- Pick them up or kneel down to their level.
- Give a soft hug, a gentle back rub, or rock them.
- Use a calm, loving voice: “I’m right here. You are safe. I love you.”
- Name the feeling: “You feel sad because your tower fell. That is hard.”
Even when you feel tired or busy, a 30-second cuddle can calm a storm. UNICEF calls this “responsive parenting.” It is how babies learn the world is a safe place.
Want to read the full UNICEF guide? Click here: Positive Parenting Tips for ages 0–52.
Real mom story: “My 18-month-old used to scream every time I left the room. I started giving quick cuddles and saying ‘Mommy always comes back.’ After two weeks, he waved bye-bye with a smile instead of tears!”
2. Set Clear, Kind Rules and Stick to Them Every Day (Gentle Discipline That Really Works)
Little kids love to test limits. That is how they learn what is safe and okay. Your job is to be the loving fence that keeps them safe.
Simple steps:
- Choose only 3–5 big rules at a time (examples: “We use gentle hands,” “We sit at the table to eat,” “We clean up toys together”).
- Say the rule with a smile and in very short words.
- Tell the short reason: “Gentle hands keep friends safe.”
- If they forget, calmly help them do the right thing.
- Stay calm. Take a deep breath if you feel upset.
Never hit, never shame, never shout mean words. The CDC says consistent, kind limits are the best way to teach self-control.
Struggling with big feelings? Read our super-helpful post How to Handle Toddler Tantrums – Easy Tips That Really Work.
Dad story: “My 3-year-old used to hit when he was mad. We practiced ‘gentle hands’ every day. Now he puts his hands in his pockets when he feels angry. I’m so proud!”
3. Catch Them Being Good All Day Long (The Fastest Way to More Smiles)
Most parents say “No” or “Stop” 20–30 times a day. Flip that around! Try to say something happy and proud at least 10 times a day.
Easy praise ideas:
- “You walked so nicely in the store!”
- “Look at you sharing your snack — you are so kind!”
- “You put your shoes on the mat. You are a super helper!”
- “You kept trying to draw that circle. Great job not giving up!”
Praise the action you want to see more of. Kids light up like Christmas trees when they hear they are doing something right. KidsHealth calls this “positive reinforcement for kids.” It is pure gold.
Pro tip: Keep a little tally on your phone. Try to hit 10 happy comments before lunch. You will be amazed how fast behavior changes.
4. Give Them 10–20 Minutes of Pure You Every Day (The Best Gift in the World)
You do not need fancy toys or big outings. You only need YOU — your eyes, your smile, your full attention.
Daily play ideas that cost nothing:
- Build a blanket fort and hide inside.
- Pretend the floor is hot lava and jump on pillows.
- Read the same favorite book five times in a row (they love it!).
- Have a teddy-bear picnic on the living-room rug.
- Sing silly songs and dance like nobody is watching.
Rules for this special time:
- Phones go away (yes, really!).
- Let your child choose what to play.
- Copy their sounds and actions — they think it’s hilarious.
These short moments grow their language, creativity, confidence, and love for you. UNICEF says daily play is one of the best positive parenting routines for daily life.
First-time parent and not sure where to start? See our beginner guide When Do Babies Start Playing with Toys? A Simple Guide.
5. Be the Person You Want Your Child to Become (They Are Always Watching)
Your little one copies EVERYTHING:
- How you talk to your partner
- How you talk on the phone
- How you treat the dog
- How you act when you spill something
- How you say “sorry” when you make a mistake
Powerful ways to model every day3:
- Say please and thank you to everyone.
- Take three slow breaths when you feel upset and say, “I’m calming my body.”
- Speak softly and kindly, even on hard days.
- Clean up your own mess and say, “I made a mistake. Now I fix it.”
- Smile and wave at neighbors.
When you act calm and kind, your child learns to act calm and kind. KidsHealth says, “Be a good role model — children learn more from what you do than what you say.”
Want extra ideas for teaching manners? Read How to Raise Polite Kids – Easy Tips for Little Ones.
Your Super-Easy 14-Day Positive Parenting Challenge
Day 1–3 → Give 10 happy praises every day.
Day 4–7 → Add 15 minutes of phone-free playtime.
Day 8–10 → Pick one calm rule and use it every time.
Day 11–14 → Practice one “modeling” moment each day (say thank you, take calm breaths, etc.).
Watch the magic happen!
True Stories From Parents Just Like You
Emma, mom of 22-month-old twins:
“I was so tired of yelling. I started Tip 1 and Tip 3. Now my boys bring me books to read instead of throwing them away!”
Carlos, stay-at-home dad of a 4-year-old:
“Special playtime at 6 p.m. every night is our sacred thing. Bedtime is easy now because he got all his giggles out with me.”
Aisha, mom of a 9-month-old:
“I was scared to pick her up every time she cried. After reading UNICEF’s guide, I started comforting her right away. She smiles so much more now.”
FAQs About What Are 5 Positive Parenting Tips (Most Searched Questions Answered Simply)
What are 5 positive parenting tips that actually work for toddlers?
The five best are: 1) Comfort them every time they cry or get upset, 2) Set clear, kind rules and stay calm, 3) Praise good behavior many times a day, 4) Give 10–20 minutes of phone-free play every day, 5) Be the calm, kind person you want them to become. These tips stop tantrums and build trust fast.
What are the best positive parenting tips for toddlers who don’t listen?
Start with Tip 3 — catch them being good and praise loudly. Then add Tip 2 — one calm rule at a time (“We use walking feet inside”). Toddlers listen better when they feel loved and know exactly what to do.
How can I discipline my child without yelling or hitting?
Use gentle discipline (Tip 2). Calmly say the rule, help them do it right, and give a natural result (“The toy goes away for five minutes if we throw it”). Stay close and kind — never scare or hurt them.
Is positive parenting the same as gentle parenting?
Yes! Both mean teaching with love, respect, and clear limits instead of punishment. They are perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Will my child become spoiled if I comfort them every time they cry?
No! Comforting teaches babies and toddlers that the world is safe. Spoiled behavior comes from unclear rules, not too many hugs. UNICEF and the CDC say respond quickly — it makes children cry less as they grow.
In Conclusion: Your Simple 5 Positive Parenting Tips Cheat Sheet
- Comfort and love them every time they need you.
- Set kind, clear rules and stay calm every day.
- Catch them being good and praise, praise, praise!
- Give 10–20 minutes of pure you every single day.
- Be the calm, kind person you want them to grow up to be.
These 5 positive parenting tips are not hard. They are not expensive. They only need your loving heart and a little practice. Start with just one today, and watch your child bloom like a flower in sunshine.
You are already doing an incredible job just by reading this and caring so much.
Now I want to hear from YOU!
Which of these 5 positive parenting tips are you most excited to try first? Drop it in the comments — let’s cheer each other on!
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Positive Parenting Tips. https://www.cdc.gov/child-development/positive-parenting-tips/index.html ↩︎
- UNICEF East Asia and Pacific. Positive Parenting Tips for children 0–5 years. https://www.unicef.org/eap/place-for-parents/positive-parenting-tips-0-5 ↩︎
- Nemours KidsHealth. Nine Steps to More Effective Parenting. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nine-steps.html ↩︎
