Here are some child behavior management tips
for you to try

Don't expect too much

It is important, in child behavior management, to be aware of your children's capabilities before you set out your rules. For example a three year old will have great difficulty sitting still and waiting for any length of time. If they are given a toy to play with or a book to read the waiting will be made easier.

A seven year old will seem very mature at times but will struggle if you are being too rigid. Don't give him too many rules to stick to - he is more likely to remember a short list.


Praise your child

Your children need to have plenty of encouragement when they do something right, such as when they remember rules you have taught them.

If you give your children attention when they are doing what you want, they will learn to get attention for being good.

If you only pay attention to your children when they do something wrong, they will learn to misbehave to get your attention.


Ignore irritating or annoying behavior

Sometimes children want your attention no matter what, even if it's negative attention. Behaviors such as whining or interrupting are annoying. It's normal to want to tell your children to stop doing these things.

When you tell them to stop, your children learn that they can get your attention by continuing the annoying behavior. Instead, as part of your new child behavior management, try to ignore the annoying behavior. At first, the behavior may get worse. But if you keep ignoring it, children learn that they can't get your attention this way.


Be a good example

An important rule of child behavior management is behave as you would have your child behave. Follow the same rules. (where applicable - obviously you don't have to go to bed at 6.30!)

Demonstrate with your own example the correct way to behave. As we have said, no-one is perfect. Apologize to your child if you make a mistake, or behave unreasonably. Remember, plenty of encouragement rather than blame!


An important behavior management technique: Make a few important and clear behavior rules:

Children feel safe when they know there are limits and rules. You should make rules for your children only if they are old enough to understand them.

Simple, clear rules are particularly important in behavior management of adhd. For more information and advice on adhd go to our Behavior Conditions. pages. Remember, children under three may be too young to follow rules.

• Explain your rules clearly and repeat them often.
  
  
• Explain what your child can do and can't do.
  
  
• Explain why.
  
  
• Stick to your rules. If you change your rules all the time, your children will become confused and learn that what you say doesn't really count.
  
  
• If other adults care for your children, make sure they know the rules you have made.