Nurturing Parenting Programs®
Nurturing Parenting Philosophy

Stephen J. Bavolek, Ph.D., Principal Author,

The philosophy of Nurturing Parenting emphasizes the importance of raising children in a warm, trusting and caring household. It is founded on the
belief that children who are cared for develop the capacity to trust, care and respect themselves, other people and living creatures and the
environment. The philosophy of Nurturing parenting is founded on seven principles:

1. Feelings of Attachment. Attachment means a bond between parents and their children that conveys a deep love that is unconditional. When
children feel loved unconditionally, communication, trust and respect naturally follow.

2. Empathy. Empathy is the ability of parents to put themselves in the place of their children in an attempt to feel, think and understand what their
children are feeling, thinking and understanding, and responding to them in a loving and respectful way.

3. Nurturing Oneself. Taking time in getting one’s own needs met, as an adult, forms the foundation of understanding and helping children get
their needs met. Nurturing parents take care of themselves as well as their children.

4. Gentle Touch. Research has shown that children who experience warm and gentle touch in the form of hugs, pats, and massages develop
and maintain healthy relationships throughout their life, as well as a healthy and positive sense of their self.

5. Discipline. Setting limits through family rules, teaching right from wrong through family morals, and teaching respect and worth through family
values are all a part of a nurturing family. Discipline cannot be imposed, beaten into or forced on children but rather develops best by the
children modeling their parents whose example they admire.

6. Expressing Feelings. Helping children and adults learn appropriate ways to manage and express their feelings is a fundamental characteristic
of a nurturing family.

7. Expectations and Self-Worth. Knowing what to expect of children as they develop plays a significant role in their self-worth. When parents
have appropriate expectations, children learn that they are competent people, capable of pleasing others important in their lives.