7 Tips To Get Better Behavior in Children
Raising children can be very challenging, overwhelming and often enjoyable. We all want a well behaved child but sometimes that is not always the case. I know for myself I was kind of hard headed and it got me in trouble here and there but we won’t get into that in this blog post. Let’s talk about seven ways we can manage better (positive) behavior out of our children
- Spend time as much as you can with your child
This is the best thing you can do to improve your children’s behavior. Spending time with them individually every day, giving them the positive attention and emotional connection they’re hard-wired to need. I have a 4yo son and I notice that when he is playing with his toys he calls me down to play with him. Now even though I am an adult I still take time to play with his toy trucks like I am a kid as well. This gets him to engage with me as a father in bonding but makes him feel good as well as he is being sociable.
When they don’t have that positive attention, they will seek out attention in negative ways so it’s best not to ignore a child asking for attention. If your child does not actively seek attention try to aim for 10-15 minutes a day per child on your own and you’ll see measurable improvement almost immediately.
- Achieve better sleep patterns
Are you often overtired, cranky, irritable? Is this letting you lash out at your child even when they are doing nothing wrong? Just by getting more rest daily can make you a better disciplinarian. The same goes for kids so ask yourself. Is your child getting enough sleep?
If it is a teenager then they need more sleep than some younger kids. If your child is having trouble falling asleep at night resulting in them being cranky or moody then look into things that may be keeping them up at night and turn them off or take them away. A well-rested kid is a well-behaved kid and it goes for you as well as an adult.
- Expand their horizons.
Kids are curious and love to stay active. Get them involved in extracurricular activities to keep their blood flowing and boosting their self-esteem. If they try an activity and do not seem interested, ask what kind of activities he/she like to do. This will keep them from being bored or doing the same routine on the daily when at home or in their free time.
I used to take my kids to the local Boys and Girls Club if you have one in your area or any local recreation afterschool club. If they like to run and play then there are local softball, track and field or soccer leagues that you can look into.
- Make them do chores.
Doing chores around the house not only build strong work ethics but responsibility with children. Especially teenagers who will be working their first summer job or internship this is essential. It may not be easy at first making your child sweep the floor or wash the dishes as they are used to seeing you as the parent do it. Let them know that it is not a ‘punishment’ and part of family team work when looking after each other.
You will see a change in their behavior because I know when I was a teen and did chores at 14 years old it changed mine. It made me have a different outlook in how it is to be a ‘grown up’ and my parents used to tell me if I wanted to go out and play then I had to do my chores first. So overall, kids need to understand that everyone needs to contribute to make a household run smoothly and try to do it with a smile onJ.
- Make the think about conflicts when solving problems.
Encourage your kids to find a resolution to a problem on their own without helping them or telling them how to do it sometimes. This will promote good behavior because this encourages them to think for themselves and be a leader in thought. In the case of sibling conflicts, ask what they could have done differently to not be in that position. This will help them solve conflicts as they grow older. If you do have to get involved, don’t choose sides and ask questions that will help them figure out a solution that all parties can feel good about.
- Have set rules and stick to them.
It can be difficult for kids to keep rules straight especially if they get in trouble a lot. By setting rules when they are at an early age instead of when they are teens, they will become acclimated to the system. In addition, if they break the rules stick to the consequence and do not give in before the time frame if there is any. If you give in too early they will only continue the bad behavior knowing that the punishment is not going to last long.
7. When you say ‘no’ mean it.
If you give in to your child and say ‘Yes’ to everything then he/she will become spoiled. There is nothing wrong with buying toys here and there or letting your child do things but a limit should be set. Find opportunities to say “yes” when you can or when they are displaying good behavior. By saying ‘No’ is not a bad thing or depriving them it just teaches them that things are not always handed to them and it has to be earned.
For example, if you are in a toy sections and your child wants a doll tell them ‘No’ but if they are good in school for the rest of the month then they may get it. This now redirects your child to exhibit good behavior in order to earn that toy.ve option.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you found some benefit in these 7 tips for better behavior in your child. By executing any of these, you’ll start seeing better behavior from your kids and you can start creating a happier, more peaceful home.