It is very easy to slip into a pattern of telling your child off for undesirable behavior whilst losing sight of the positive behavior you wish to enforce. The end result is stressful for both you and the child, and gets you no closer to improving the child’s behavior.
To avoid this vicious cycle, focus on the positive outcomes you wish to achieve. For instance, when encouraging your child to say ‘please’ and ‘thank-you’, make sure to emphasize praise for when the desired manners are used, rather than solely upbraiding them for being rude.
COMMENTS
Craig Jonson
April 13, 2013Praise is definitely a huge selling point when it comes to getting your kids to listen--however never give it undeservingly because it will just turn into white noise and they won't appreciate it. It then defeats the whole purpose of trying to instill good manners, positive thinking, good habits etc etc into your kids.
Nikki
May 20, 2013Yes I agree that installing positivity into children is very important. However I agree with craig, who posted a comment above. Parents need to ensure that they don't overdo praise. That's how you raise spoilt children who can't differentiate between right and wrong!