Bad behavior depends upon the culture, personality, age, and emotional and physical development of your child. For instance, what is deemed inappropriate behavior for a 10-year-old child may be normal for a toddler. However, when behavior becomes disruptive or dangerous, it is important to know how to safely handle it
Step 1
Ignore unwanted, harmless behavior. The FamilyDoctor website explains that reacting to bad behavior only reinforces it. Although it may take a period of time, this method can be effective.
Step 2
Praise positive behavior, not the child. Say things like "You did a great job picking up your toys." Be sure not to praise every single action your child does---this may cause her to become addicted to praise or wonder why you are so eager to make her feel better.
Step 3
Tell your child his behavior is not acceptable and give him a time-out warning. If he continues this behavior, calmly place him in time-out. Set a timer for 1 minute for each year of your child's age and gently steer him back to the time-out area if he leaves it.
Step 4
Reward your child for good behavior. The AskDrSears website recommends choosing a reward that your child will enjoy such as an extra story, favorite meal, special toy or a desired privilege. Instead of punishment, your child does not get his reward.
Tips and Warnings
- The AskDrSears website suggests using a chart to keep track of your child's good behavior. Charts are interactive and can be an entertaining way for your child to keep track of his positive performance. Allow your child to help decorate and construct the chart. Consider creating it with a visual image of the reward at the end. Use stickers or dots to mark off each day your child has successfully completed a positive action, such as taking out the garbage. Hang the chart in a visible place where your child can have easy access to it.
- The FamilyDoctor website warns that physical punishment, such as spanking, should never be used to end a child's bad behavior. It only temporarily stops a behavior, it does not teach a child how to modify it. Because a child learns by modeling her parent's actions, physical punishment teaches her that hitting and aggression are OK. In addition, physical punishment can get out of hand, turning into child abuse.
Things You'll Need
- Reward such as favorite meal, special toy or a desired privilege
- Behavior chart
