Raising children in these modern times presents a lot of challenges and requires a lot of hard work for parents. Despite efforts and finding sound advice as to how to raise good kids with proper behaviors, parents still caught themselves unable to figure out how to correct their kids’ behavior at times. Times are different now, the demands are more intense, and more is required of children. “Many of the problems which children seem to be experiencing may be either caused or influenced by changing social expectations.”, relates the book Good Kids, Bad Behavior. Children need their parents’ help. Thus, parents need not feel defeated and surrender immediately because your kids need you.
Whatever the case is, in this article, you will learn how you can be an effective parent by teaching and indulging kids into good behavior. But remember, a positive approach is one of the best ways to encourage your child’s good behavior. So when he behaves well, give him the praise he deserves rather than always using punishments when he does not. This article will help you plan your course in helping your child cultivate good behavior.
Here are 10 practical ways on how to indulge kids in good behavior:
1. Establish an environment that encourages good behavior
Your child’s environment can influence his behavior. So you need to create an environment that promotes good behavior to your child. You can do this by making sure that your child’s space makes him enjoy his playtime. Keep fragile items out of his reach so he won’t break it and hurt himself. You will lessen the chance of problems by keeping fragile items out of sight.
2. Tell your child how you feel
Being honest with your child and telling him how his behavior affects you will help him understand your feelings. For instance, when you say, “I am upset because it’s very noisy and I can’t speak on the phone.” If you address how you feel, he sees things from your perspective.
3. Be a good role model
They say the best way to teach is to demonstrate. Use your own behavior to teach your child how to behave. Children are keen observers and what you do often say a lot more than what you actually say. For instance, if you want your child to say ‘please’ or ‘thank you’, say it yourself. If you tell him not to raise his voice, you yourself should speak gently to him.
4. Praise your child when you see his good actions
When your child is behaving properly, acknowledge it and praise him. You can tell him, “Wow, you cleaned up your toys! Very good.” Or you can say “I really like that you share your toys with your friend.” When you see commendable actions from your kids, don’t let that chance slip away to praise him. In that way, he is aware that you know when he’s doing good, not just looking out for every mistake he makes.
5. Listen carefully
Listening carefully when your child speaks about how he feels is important. You can validate his feelings when you nod while he talks. If you do this, you help your young child to cope with his emotions, which sometimes leads to bad behavior. It can avoid potential tantrums.
6. Make promises and keep them
Parents are often surprised by how their children always remember their promises and ask for it when the time comes. And when you don’t follow through with it, they become disappointed and show bad behavior. That’s why when you make promises, you should always try to fulfill it, otherwise, don’t make one if you know you can’t. When you are being true to your promises, your child learns to respect and trust you. She will learn that you are always being true to your word, then a promise is a promise and a consequence is a consequence.
7. Make your child feel valuable
To do this, you can give your child some simple chores that she can do for the family. It will make her feel that she is part of the family and she is important. If teaching your child how to do the chore and let her practice it until she’s good at it, she will feel good about herself and will want to keep doing it. And giving her praises for a job well done will build her self-esteem.
8. Try to maintain a sense of humor
Keeping a sense of humor can help to make daily life lighter. You can do that by singing songs, noticing the humor in things and promoting fun. Humor that has you both laughing is great, but not to the point of teasing. Children may get easily hurt by excessive teasing and becoming a laughing stock.
9. Learn to choose your battles
Before you react to whatever your child is doing, ask yourself if it really matters if you get yourself involved. By keeping negative feedback and nagging to a minimum level, you create less chance for conflict. Rules are important, but use them only when you see that it needs to. Give your child a little allowance for mistakes.
10. Try to go down your child’s level
When you are close to your child, you can easily know what he might be feeling or thinking. If you have a close relationship, he is more likely to listen to you.
Truly, parenting is no trivial matter. But parents can find ways on how to indulge their kids in good behavior. It may take so much effort and patience to do so, but it’s worth all your hard work. When you discipline and train him while he is still young, you can be sure that he will learn from it in the long run. And even when you’re not around, you can be confident that your child will show good behavior towards others.
Read also:
- How to Know if You’re a Bad Parent
- Ways on How To Get a Toddler to Listen
- Your Child Wants Out: Reasons why Kids Run Away From Home
