1. Encourage The Child
When a child does something right or well, give
praise straight away. Your encouragement will show
them that you believe they can do it – and
give them more confidence. Did you know that if a
child gets a negative message, it takes nine positive
ones to wipe out the single negative?
2. Teach Them By Example
Children are continually watching and learning behaviors.
They take particular notice of what adults are doing
and saying. Are you behaving in a way that you wish
the child to emulate? Take time out to check your
own behavior.
3. Role Play
Do you get mad when your child copies the bad behaviour
of a playmate? Children learn their social skills
through play – so teach them! Let the child
take the lead and gently correct them if needed.
Don’t tell them they’re doing something ‘wrong’ – it
crushes self esteem.
4. Don’t Give Up!
Caring for children is exhausting, worrying and
often seems like a thankless task. There is no ‘perfect
babysitter’ or ‘perfect parent’.
Do the best you can with what you’ve got. Accept
that everyone makes mistakes sometimes and don’t
be afraid to ask for help.
5. Set boundaries and stick with them
Children feel much safer if they have limits and
boundaries. They will constantly test them, to make
sure that they are still there. Keeping those limits
reassures the child that you love them and that they
are safe.
6. Be Strong For The Child
If the child tells you something bad that has happened – don’t
react negatively or with anger. Work together to
find a way through any problem. That way, the child
will continue to trust you with their worries – and
there will be many!
7. Stay Calm
Learn not to react to negative or ‘bad’ behaviour.
If you’re angry, let the discipline wait. Take
a little time out to regain control. This will help
you to work on an appropriate reaction.
8. Don’t Bribe…reward!
Bribing sends the child a message that they only
have to behave badly to get what they want. Reward
good behaviour with a non-material treat such as
reading the child a favorite story.
9. Prevent Boredom
If children get bored, they start to look for mischief!
Give them things to do and eventually they will be
able to find their own amusement. Don’t over-do
it though – kids need their own space, just
like you!
10. Don’t be afraid of discipline
Discipline is not shouting, smacking, or threatening
punishments. It’s a quiet, calm way to teach,
reinforce and show consistent behaviour. Your ‘time
out’ strategy will get rid of anger and frustration
allowing the discipline to be carried out in a firm,
yet loving way.
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