Kids are just little people with impulses and desires that do not always translate into proper actions. Episodes of misbehavior occur with every child. These incidents can range from mild to serious. It is the parents' responsibility to teach children self control and guide them in making good decisions. These lessons often require parents to correct or discipline their children. Learn how to correct inappropriate child behavior in a manner which will enlighten, engage and improve character.
Step 1
Discover the reason behind the misbehavior in order to correct it. The PBS Parents website recommends getting to the source of the problem. For instance, a child may act out aggressively because he finds pleasure in the physical feeling behind the action of punching or pulling at something. You can correct this behavior by giving them tasks in which it is appropriate to respond with force, such as climbing a rope, molding clay or swinging a bat in baseball.
Step 2
Remove your child from volatile situations before misbehavior escalates. If you catch it early you don't have to make a big deal out of it as long as the child calms down. Distract your child with another activity in which to participate.
Step 3
Approach your child on her level physically. It is frightening to a little one to have a parent loom over them. A physically intimidating presence may drown out the words you need to impart. Sit with her or stoop down to meet her eyes while you discuss the issue.
Step 4
Use words your child can comprehend. Speak to them in a firm and controlled manner which will not incite fear. Explain to an older child why something is inappropriate. A much younger child will not be able to understand the reasoning but will respond to "you may not do that."
Step 5
Enforce a hierarchy of set consequence for unacceptable behavior advises the Brainy Child website. Your child will test your patience and your sincerity. You must mean what you say and outline the building consequences of repeated misbehavior. Never back down on enforcing discipline. For example, if you have determined your child should lose video game privileges for a time, don't back down when a much anticipated new game is released within that period.
Step 6
Require your child to really think about an incident of bad behavior. Have him write about the behavior and its consequences if he is old enough. Ask younger children to talk about the incident with you. Insisting on thinking through an action will help your child avoid performing it in the future.
Step 7
Forgive your child for his mistakes. This is a part of the corrections. Discipline needs to be loving and consistent from beginning to end. Children need to know you do not hold behavior mistakes against them. Reassure them that you discipline them to make them better people and because you care about them.
Tips and Warnings
- Catch your child doing something good. Praise him for his good decisions. Behavior management will be smoother and more rewarding when you celebrate the good along with correcting the inappropriate. Don't step in too quickly when your child must make a decision. Watch what happens for a moment. He may make the appropriate choice for himself.
- Do not bribe your child into behaving acceptably. It sends the wrong message, for instance, to tell a child you will give him an ice cream if he does not fuss about taking a nap. Do not physically discipline your child. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry contends that clear guidelines, praise and consistent parenting are more effective than physical correction.
