Some children are naturally cooperative and easy to manage, regardless of your usual discipline strategy. Others may be stubborn, spirited or impulsive. These kids may become less compliant when punished, so timeouts or removal of privileges may not work well. Positive parenting strategies, including open communication, smart household routines, natural consequences and understanding your child's motivations can make the challenges of parenting a difficult child easy to manage and help strengthen your relationship with your child.
Step 1
Create structure and routine in your home and other aspects of your child's life. Use calendars, charts and family schedules to present transitions and help her to know what to expect. Have set bedtimes and mealtimes to avoid poor behavior due to fatigue or hunger.
Step 2
Communicate with him. Take the time to know his teacher's and classmates so you can be aware of potential stresses that may lead to poor behavior. A child that feels heard and understood will be less apt to act out.
Step 3
Set clear and reasonable household rules and expectations. Work with your child to develop house rules, and be sure that you don't expect more than she can give. Learn about normal child development and consider your own child's strengths and weaknesses when assessing how much supervision will be required to help him stick to the rules and his capabilities, suggests Warren P. Silberstein, M.D.
Step 4
Provide your child with positive solutions to problems. Be physically and emotionally present to help teach her to handle difficult situations in ways that fit with your family's values. Redirect young children to appropriate play and actions or help older ones brainstorm solutions, recommends Ibtisam S. Barakat, extension associate and Janet A. Clark, associate state specialist in human development and family studies.
Step 5
Allow children to experience the natural consequences of their actions. Natural consequences are things that occur without your involvement. Carelessness may result in a lost or broken toy or forgotten possessions. Treating friends poorly can leave kids without playmates.
