As a parent, it can be a real challenge to deal with a child that has behavior problems. You want to be a supportive parent, but you are running out of ways to help your child learn right from wrong. There is hope! There is a range of alternative discipline techniques that can help you to become a more effective parent without overreaching the boundaries of being overbearing. Try these unique ways to discipline your child, and watch their behavior improve without the daily struggle.
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Be Sure To Give Your Child Enough Attention
One of the main reasons that your child may tend to act out is because they are not receiving enough attention from you. It is your job as a parent to provide your child with enough quality time, so they don’t seek the need to try to act out when the time isn’t right. Spend time with your child and understand when they are misbehaving that it may be because they haven’t gotten enough together time with you. This small technique can help your child feel love when they need it the most.
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Educate And Listen
Your child may also misbehave because they don’t have the proper training and education to know what is acceptable behavior. As a parent, you need to constantly help your child understand what is good behavior and what isn’t. Take the time to tell them when they did something wrong but show them the corrective ways that they could have handled the situation that made them upset. Your child looks up to you as a role model, so you need to set a good example they can follow. Educating kids and being patience at the same time is a tough job as parent however reading books about parenting or taking a GenMindful Parenting Online Course are ways to learn and educate you as parents and your children.
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Communicate Without Yelling
It can be easy as a parent to lose your cool and yell when your child does something that makes you unhappy. While you need to communicate to your child that their behavior was unacceptable at that time, it is best if you use reinforcing words that can allow them to see what they did was wrong. Yelling will only escalate the situation and cause your child to act out again in the future. Remember, you want your child to know right from wrong and learn each time they make a decision that doesn’t put them in the best light.
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Know Your Boundaries
You need to know what your limits are as a parent and stick to your guns when it comes to disciplining your child. Set boundaries for your child and don’t let them slide just because you don’t have the energy to deal with their behavior at the time. Consistency is key to helping your child learn what the rules are for your home. If your rules are meant to be broken, your child will see that they can get away with anything that they want at any time. They will push your limits and act out just because they know there are no consequences. Be in control and don’t let the boundaries get the better of you. You are the parent, and they are the child, but you need to come together on a rule system that works for you both.
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Take A Time Out
While many times it is suggested that parents give their child a timeout when they are acting up. In reality, it is you, the parent, that needs the time out away from your child. Let yourself cool off before you deal with negative behavior from your child. You may regret your actions if you act upon your temper. Tell your child that you will manage their behavior when you are ready to and spend some time thinking about the best way to teach them that what they did was wrong.
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Be Realistic With Your Expectations
When you have a child that just can’t seem to follow the rules you have set for your household, it may be time to reevaluate the boundaries you expect them to follow. They may not be realistic for the age of your child and be difficult for them to follow because they just can’t grasp the concept of them. Set your expectations realistically and keep the capabilities of your child in mind. When your child has adjusted to your new way of thinking, you may be pleasantly surprised at how well they are able to follow the rules you have set.
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Be Kind But Firm
Knowing how to talk to your child can help you to find out the real reason that they were acting out. Be kind but firm with your conversation and take the time to really understand what is bothering them. They may have had a bad day at school or lost a friend, which needs consoling and a reminder that they need to use their words rather than bad behavior to convey how they feel.
Being a parent can be a challenge at times, but with the right discipline for your child, it can seem to go a little easier. Remember these tips the next time your child acts out and be sure to allow yourself the time you need to calm down and keep your cool. The results will be well worth your effort as your child behaves better and has more self-confidence as well. You can provide discipline that is effective and can help your child learn right from wrong.
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Amy Petrou is a content advocate at GenMindful.com, and a mother of two. In her free time you will find her writing on her blog, reading and searching for pottery and paintings to add to her growing collection.