UNICEF: “Positive Parenting” Starts With Building a Bond Between Parents and Children

February 24, 2026 - 00:37

The core of effective and positive parenting lies not in specific techniques or rules, but in the fundamental connection between a parent and child. This foundational bond is critical for a child's healthy development, fostering security, self-esteem, and resilience.

Experts emphasize that this connection is built through consistent, loving engagement from the earliest moments. It involves attentive listening, responsive caregiving, and shared moments of joy and comfort. When children feel emotionally safe and valued by their caregivers, they are better equipped to explore the world, manage their emotions, and build healthy relationships later in life.

This approach shifts the focus from reactive discipline to proactive relationship-building. By prioritizing a strong, trusting bond, parents create a natural environment where guidance is more readily accepted and cooperation flourishes. It is within this secure base that children learn essential life skills and develop a positive sense of self, setting the stage for their long-term well-being and happiness. The message is clear: investing time and emotional presence in the parent-child relationship is the most impactful form of positive parenting.