3 Positive Parenting Keys for Hard Days

Let’s be real—parenting can feel overwhelming. With advice coming from every direction, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. When things feel especially tough, these positive parenting keys will help you refocus on what truly matters: connection, calm, and collaboration.

Below are three strategies that can bring clarity and intention back to your parenting—even on the hard days.

3 Positive Parenting Keys

🗝️ Relationship Comes First

Rules and structure matter—but without relationship, they often fall flat. When kids feel emotionally connected and seen, they’re more likely to cooperate and trust your guidance. If that connection breaks down, you’ll often see it show up in their behavior.

Try this: Slow down. Listen without jumping to fix. Make time for small moments of connection. When your relationship is strong, everything else becomes easier.

🗝️ Co-Regulate to Calm Emotions

Big emotions are contagious—and so is calm. Kids don’t learn to regulate their emotions on their own. First, they borrow our calm presence until they’re able to build that skill for themselves.

Try this: Take a deep breath together. Get down on their level. Offer your steady presence. This kind of co-regulation is a core piece of positive parenting and helps build emotional strength—for both of you.

🗝️ Work Through Solutions Together

Is your child facing something challenging? Work through it with them, not for them. This teaches problem-solving, encourages trust, and builds their confidence over time.

Try this: Ask, “What do you think we can do about this?” Collaborating like this supports kids in building skills for life and can turn moments of conflict into connection—helping kids feel capable and seen.

Keep the Keys Close

You don’t need to have all the answers. On the hard days, come back to these three positive parenting keys:

🗝️ Build connection
🗝️ Co-regulate emotions
🗝️ Solve problems side by side

Let go of perfection—and stay focused on what matters most.

Need Support?

Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR) provides a full continuum of children’s behavioral health care designed to wrap families up in support and empower caregivers. Contact us today to learn more.

Want More?

Check out the rest of our blog and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Instagram at @ybgr_cares, and Facebook at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.

Article adapted from a Facebook post by Krysten Taprell @ The Therapist Parent.