Improving Your Children’s Behaviour

Open communication, leading by example are just some methods parents can undertake

Most parents eventually undergo a phase wherein their child begins acting in an undisciplined and uncontrolled manner. Arguing, disregarding others and throwing tantrums are some of the common acts of misbehaviour seen in children.

Parenting is already a mentally and emotionally draining job, and such acts of misbehaviour can make it even more challenging. However, it is up to the parents to ensure that their children behave appropriately, a process that must begin in the home itself.

Children see their parents as role models, and emulate their behaviour. It is important for parents to examine their own actions to determine the source of their children’s exploits. Should the impressionable children see their parents yelling or acting inappropriately, the chances are that they would adopt similar behavioural patterns.

Parents should therefore “discipline themselves” before disciplining their children. By demonstrating through your actions what is right and what is not, parents can count on their children adopting similar, favourable behavior.

Most parents are not aware of this, but much negative behaviour begins at the breakfast table. For example, high sugar intake increases the energy levels of children and can negatively alter their behaviour. A look at the back of your children’s favorite cereal brands will astound you.

Opt for low sugar alternatives and enjoy what guarantees to be a calmer morning. Ensuring that your children enjoy balanced diets rich in the vitamins and nutrients they require will set a positive tone for your children’s day.

Another reason why children misbehave is to seek a reaction from their parents. When parents are not able to spend quality time with their children, it can result in attention-seeking behaviour from the child. Furthermore, the response elicited from the parent also plays a major role in determining the behaviour of children.

If parents are able to logically relate the punishment to the misbehaviour of their children the scope for improvement increases drastically.

Most parents set specific rules and guidelines for their children. Whether these guidelines are followed is another story entirely. This is a natural reaction against the restrictions imposed by parents, and is an important determinant of their behaviour.

It is important for parents to realize that instead of imposing, it is more effective to look at rules as a framework for the child's behaviour. By properly explaining to children about activities or behaviour that are inappropriate, parents would be able to significantly alter the way their children behave.

Finally, one of the most effective ways of ensuring that children remain well-behaved is by using a behaviour chart. A simple behaviour chart would consist of a list of good behaviour that is expected from the child, as well as bad behaviour that is not expected.

The children should be made familiar with this chart and a reward system should be devised. Whenever the children act in accordance to a good behaviour listed in the chart they should be given the reward. Such a process will enable children to realize what is expected from them and what is not.

Although minor instances of bad behaviour are generally ignored by parents it is important to correct the root cause of such behaviour. If corrective measures are not put in place at an early age it could lead to the development of a rebellious and unsocial personality.

Open communication, healthy eating, rewarding behavioural charts and leading by example are some of the ways the parents can ensure positive behaviour.•

Photo courtesy of sxc / necogarnic

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