There is hope even when your children’s behavior is a challenge. Their behavior can mean they are working toward something good, and they can get there with your guidance.
Here are three examples.
No-saying and resistance can be the start of their becoming determined and thinking for themselves.- Trying things that are not always safe, touching everything, and starting lots of things but not necessarily finishing anything can be the start of their being interested in lots of things and wanting to learn about those things.
Being sneaky, tricky, wimpy, or acting like bullies in order to test how people react to them can be the start of their figuring out how to get along with people and still get their own needs met.
You can guide your children through the difficult times and help them reach the good times by:
Not giving up hope. Expect that they will learn from their mistakes.- Correcting them without telling them with words or actions that they are a failure.
- Enforcing consequences that logically connect to the bad behavior
and doing so in a matter-of-fact way. For example, an earlier bedtime if your child isn’t able to be ready for school on time in the morning logically connects but not being able to play with a favorite toy does not. - Teaching them what good behavior looks like.
- Letting them know you are looking forward to the people they are becoming.
Inspired by GEORGE UPSIDE DOWN by Meghan McCarthy
