The Gottman Parenting approach, developed by Dr. John Gottman and his wife Dr. Julie Gottman, is a research-based method that focuses on building a strong, loving relationship between parents and children. This approach is based on the Gottmans’ decades of research on marriage, family, and child development.
Key Principles:
- Emotion Coaching: Teaching children to recognize, understand, and manage their emotions.
- Building Trust: Creating a safe and supportive environment where children feel heard and validated.
- Setting Clear Boundaries: Establishing clear expectations and consequences while also being empathetic and understanding.
- Encouraging Independence: Gradually giving children more autonomy and decision-making power as they grow.
- Practicing Empathy and Validation: Recognizing and accepting children’s feelings, even when they misbehave.
- Fostering a Culture of Appreciation: Encouraging gratitude, respect, and appreciation within the family.
- Managing Conflict: Teaching children how to resolve conflicts in a healthy, constructive way.
Benefits:
- Children develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness
- Parents build a stronger, more loving relationship with their children
- Children are more likely to develop self-confidence and self-esteem
- Families learn to manage conflict and difficult emotions in a healthy way