Using positive behavior management techniques in the home and school settings can help promote mental health and positive self-esteem in children, according to experts at Mental Health America. In addition, effective behavior management techniques can help a child develop strong social skills and social competencies. Parents and adults who work with children should take the time to learn about techniques and apply them to daily routines.
Reward Progress and Accomplishments
Experts at the Wisconsin Child Care Improvement Project suggest that positive behavior management should focus on reinforcement of positive behavior. This can include a system of goal setting which results in rewards or privileges when the child completes the goal. These systems allow children to directly experience the benefits of positive behaviors. For example, a reward such as an outing to the movies might be given after a child consistently completes his chores every day for a week.
Fair Expectations and Consequences
Expectations in the home and school settings should be outlined very clearly for children. It's important that the rules are repeatedly reviewed in a clear and positive manner. Expectations regarding chores, bedtime, homework time and social etiquette should be established. Consequences should be reasonable and always applied consistently.
Redirection and Time-Outs
Positive discipline can include the use of redirection. For example, if a child is running or yelling too much in the house, instead of punishing the behavior, an adult can redirect the child to go outside and run around the yard a few times. Time-outs can be used if a child does not respond to redirection. Time-outs should last only long enough that the child calms herself and can return to her activity in an appropriate way. Parents may have to monitor time-outs and increase or decrease time for the individual child.
Communication and Expression
The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that communication is essential to positive behavior management. Parents should model active listening skills and encourage their child to discuss and learn from his behaviors. Offering constructive criticism and positive feedback is also very helpful. By stressing what a child does well, an adult can encourage a child to perform better. If a child feels "bad" or "wrong" he is more likely to identify rules and expectations as negative and difficult.
