Best Practices For Improving Negative Behaviours
Parenting is a rewarding journey. Along this rewarding, journey there are twists, turns, and challenges. These twists and turns can feel like an outright detour when a child is not able to manage their emotions or behaviour and require more attention. For a child who needs more attention, the responsibility of being present and supportive can be overwhelming. Parents, this journey can sometimes leave you feeling frustrated. It is even more frustrating when, as a parent, you feel inadequate or unable to control your child's negative behaviour. I am going to share with you 3 proven strategies that are effective in reducing negative behaviours in children. Also, I’ll include a few easy to implement best practices for these strategies. Let’s jump right in.
DISCIPLINE
Every parent wants to have a good relationship with their children. Many parents find discipline to be the least favourite part of parenting. However, setting boundaries helps children know when their behaviour is appropriate. An effective approach that many parents find useful is positive disciplining. The approach used by Stronger Solutions revolves around giving children the opportunity to practice best behaviours. The key is finding a strategy that works well for your family, yourself, and your child. Setting boundaries for your child helps them know what's right or wrong from early childhood. Beyond setting boundaries, do not react in anger, ensure the words used are positive affirmations, and problem solve as a team. Focus on encouraging and rewarding positive behaviours. Using an appropriate discipline strategy, parents are able to provide an effective long-term solution that sets the foundation for successful adult life.
RESILIENCY
An important part of building resiliency involves learning from life’s lessons. Life lessons started early on in a child’s life. Your child’s resiliency started showing up early as well. Think back to those early challenging years such as learning to walk. This parenting approach teaches your children how to handle setbacks, social problems, or even illnesses. Children need to be reminded to face life courageously. This approach can help to empower your children. Build resiliency. Help your child to set clear goals that speak to their authentic self. Allow your child to participate and take the lead when problem solving. Give your child the space to articulate their concerns and solutions. Remind them that it is okay to try again. Your child learned to walk, learned to believe, and learned that failure is part of success. They learned to fail forward. Remember, failing forward is one of the most important lessons provided by life. Allow your child to fail forward. Let your children fail, try again, and urge them to develop more zeal and confidence. As a parent, your encouragement and guidance help to shape their experiences.
ATTENTION
Allow your child’s curiosity and chaos to sometimes disrupt your daily routine. By providing a barrier free playful environment for your children, they get a chance to interact with the world around them. The bonus is when parents come down to the child’s level and share in an amazing world filled with imagination, curiosity, and creativity. Live in the moment with your child and simply play together. Playtime with your child is one of the most rewarding parenting strategies. So go for it and have a popstar dance party! Choose a balanced lifestyle where children do not need to overwork to get your attention. Take time every day to show interest in your child’s world and experiences. Respond not only to negative actions but also to positive actions. Over time, being attentive to your child improves confidence and positivity.
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE ROAD
As parents, our aim is to put our best effort forward to raise the best children. Do not get too bogged down on everyone else's definition of "the best children". Instead, instill in each child the values and guiding principles they will need to build on for use in their own life as a child or adult.
Not enough can be said about one of the best tools we have - You. You are your child's best role model. Be the best example you can be and model the behaviour you want to see in your child while giving them space to create their own authentic self. Yes, mistakes will be made by you and your child along the parenting journey but that's not where the story ends. The good news is you are not alone in facing challenges and there are many resources to guide you. If you find any difficulty helping your child, seek help from a parent consultant, a trusted family member or friend, your doctor, or your registered therapist.
Get connected with us at Stronger Solutions. We are here to help you along the way. No matter the parenting challenges, always remember that you got this. You are already doing such a great job.
