How to Deal With a Problem Child

Parenting is wonderful. It can be both a source of overwhelming joy and overwhelming stress. All parents deal with behavioral issues now and again; from minor behaviors such as tattling and not sharing to larger issues of lying or stealing. Once in a while, a child will turn from someone who occasionally exhibits problem behaviors to a problem child. If you notice that one of your children is prone to bad behavior, you should be proactive in dealing with him in a firm, yet loving manner.

Instructions

  1. How to Deal With a Problem Child

    • 1

      Talk to your child. Children act out for a variety of reasons. A child may misbehave because he is over tired, frustrated and does not know how to communicate his feelings, wants attention or because he wants to escape an undesirable activity. When your child's behavior does not meet your expectations, take the opportunity to talk to him. Do not only talk about his behavior, but talk to him about why he behaved in that manner. Understanding his behavior does not justify it, however if he knows that you care and are willing to listen, he may be more inclined to express himself more appropriately.

    • 2

      Do not label your child. If you tell people your child is a 'problem child,' especially in front of him, he will more than likely fulfill the role. Just because your child acts in a bad way does not make him bad. Be careful to separate who he is and his worth as a person, from the way he acts. If he thinks that you do not believe in him, he will not believe in himself and you will likely only be solidifying his future problem behavior.

    • 3

      Keep your expectations high. If you lower your standards for what is acceptable behavior, you will be doing your child a disservice. Do not make excuses for your child, or you will find yourself always doing so. Being two years old, for instance is not an excuse for having a tantrum at the grocery store. If you spend your time justifying behavior, you will more than likely let problem behavior slide.

    • 4

      Follow through. This is one of the most important things you can do when it comes to dealing with your child's behavior. You must remain consistent and do what you say you are going to do. If your child sits in time out for using foul language, then you cannot ignore his foul language when you are not in the mood to deal with him. It will be important for you to follow through with both negative and positive consequences. If you promise him a video game for a good report card, buy him one as soon as he brings the report card home.

    • 5

      Pick your battles. Remember that your child is a child and therefore will not always behave perfectly. If you harp on him for every little thing you will both end up aggravated. Focus on the big behaviors you want to see change and carefully decide what little ones you want to address.

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