How to Teach My Child to Behave

Dealing with the misbehaviors of a precocious child can be enough to drive any parent crazy. At times, it can seem as if attempting to rectify your child's behavior is like continuing to fight a losing battle. No matter how good your intentions may be, if your child continues to misbehave despite your interventions, it can leave you feeling defeated. In truth, teaching your child to behave takes time and persistence. By selecting a plan and sticking to it, you can successfully modify your child's behavior.

Instructions

    • 1

      Make your expectations clear. Your child can't successfully follow the rules if he doesn't know what they are. If you already have household rules, discuss them with your child. If you don't, set some. Sit down with your child and make a poster to hang in your kitchen or family room that outlines all of the rules. Your child will likely enjoy the attention he receives while you work together to make this poster, and the task will ensure he is aware of the behavioral expectations you have for him.

    • 2

      Demonstrate the behavior you want your child to exhibit. If you don't want your child to use curse words, do not use such language in front of your child. Your child is more likely to comply with the rules you outline if you follow them yourself.

    • 3

      Keep your cool. While it can be infuriating to see your child break a rule that you have discussed ad nauseam, it is important not to allow your anger to overtake you. If you get angry, your child can feed off of this heightened emotional state, and the situation will escalate. By staying calm, you will make it clear to your child that you are in control and are not allowing her behavior to dictate your mood or attitude.

    • 4

      Follow through with your punishments. Do not assign punishments that you will not follow through with, as this behavior shows your child that you do not mean what you say. If you tell your child he is grounded for a week, do not let him off of this punishment early.

    • 5

      Discuss poor behavior to ensure your child understands what she has done wrong. When your child breaks a rule, have a conversation about what she did wrong and why it was wrong. If your child doesn't fully understand what she has done wrong, she will not be able to modify her behavior effectively in the future.

    • 6

      Praise your child when he is behaving well. It shouldn't be all about punishing misbehaviors. By telling your child when he is doing well, you can build his self-esteem and allow him to see that he can abide by the rules.

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