Parenting Dignity: A Breakthrough Parenting Approach

This week’s Lesson begins by exploring the relationship between human rights, dignity principles and Democratic Parenting. Later, we discuss how important effective communication is to democratic parenting.

Video presentation on the History of Human Rights.

Democratic Parenting reflects the principles of human rights. This includes “freedom, justice and peace in the world” by respecting the “inherent dignity” of children.

Democratic Parenting, in short, uses democratic values.

Teaching human rights supports dignity principles; Explores non-punishing discipline; Sets clear (age-appropriate) boundaries with age-appropriate expectations; Supports agreements and; Prepares children for participation in school and community.

Human Rights education teaches children the inherent “dignity and worth of the human person” which is the “foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world”. This is from the preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, an international document defining the rights of all people.

Discussion on the importance of Effective Communication in a democratic parenting approach. You will learn to recognize and define the four elements of effective communication. It will allow you to explore interpersonal effectiveness and learn the tools of democratic parenting.

Statements and open questions invite children (and adults) to think about their response. It help keep them out of feeling accused or being misunderstood.

Your assignments for this week are...