Handle Bad Behaviour In Kids In 5 Ways

Are you confused about how to manage your child’s difficult behaviour? It’s the responsibility of parents, teachers, and grandparents to correct unruly behaviour in kids.

While it’s important to be sensitive to a child’s social-emotional development, it’s essential to teach him/her how to react, behave, and control his/her feeling. Something your child is picking up from you, anyway!

So let’s begin.

What are the ways to handle bad behaviour in kids? Here are 5 ways to do so

1) Mind your behaviour

So why is it that your child misbehaves? Is he/she modelling you and getting into frequent bursts of anger, disappointment and rage?

As a parent, sometimes you may be over-worked, stressed, or emotionally disturbed. Your behaviour and actions are bound to have a cascading effect on your child.

So, Rule no. 1 is to learn to control your feelings. Be polite, and don’t vent your frustration on your kids. Time and again, I have realised that when I yell at my child, he yells back at me.

So what do I do? I take a deep breath and cease-fire the situation to calm him down immediately. I say sorry, and most often than not, my child says sorry too!

We make a pact to not repeat it again and Voilà! we are good to go with the rest of the day.

RELATED: 12 Good Habits Every Parent Must Teach Their Child

2) Keep promises

Are there times when your child is mad at you? Sometimes you’ll be surprised to see your little prince/princess turn into a little monster! Is it an unkept promise that made him/her do so?

Think of the reason for such behaviour. Do remember the things you tell or promise your child because he/she will never forget. “You said it!” They’ll tell you.

Kids take your words very seriously so never make promises if you can’t keep them. It leaves them frustrated and they can’t make out how to react, resulting in rude behaviour.

3) Don’t tell the world

If your child makes faces at you or calls you names, it’s not something you tell the world especially in his/her presence.

So the next time you call to tell your parents what a nightmarish time you had at the mall with your unruly child, chances are that you’re making him/her feel important and inspiring him/her to do it again. So never discuss his bad behaviour in front of him, rather do the opposite.

I, usually, tell my friends how my son has improved so much and was very well behaved the last time I took him out. It makes my son proud and more responsible for his actions. Treasure that confident smile!

4) Reinforce better behaviour

Applaud your kids for their good behaviour and deeds. “That’s how my good girl/boy talks!” you may tell them. Find a time they’re respectful and appropriate, and praise them generously.

When my son does something good without forcing him, I shower him with love, praise, and rewards. The rewards should be simple and thoughtful, and not materialistic. So instead of a new toy, reward him with a new book, invite his friends for a play session, or grant extra time in the park on weekends.

5) Understand and respect your child

Some kids do need to move around a lot or take more time to understand what to do, how to do, etc.

Don’t label your child a problem child without diving deeper. He/she may be tired, hungry, disturbed, or just not interested. Respect his/her feelings, instead of constantly telling him/her how to behave. If you want your little one to behave in a certain manner, remember he/she may also want you to do or say things in a certain manner.

Ask “What’s going on? (with a grin)” or “What do you want sweetheart?” instead of “Why are you misbehaving?” Studies reveal negative consequences, time-outs, and punishment just make bad behaviour worse. What’s your say?

Do you have more tips on handling bad behaviour in kids? We would love to hear from you, comment now

Image credit: Luis Marina