How to Help Children Remember the Rules

When your little whirlwind tears though the house disregarding rules, you may wonder why he is suddenly so rebellious. The truth is, sometimes kids get so involved in having fun that they forget rules even exist, particularly if the rules are new to them. You may need to provide your child with reminders until he has internalized the rules. How you do this depends on your child̵7;s age and developmental level.

Things You'll Need

  • Index cards
  • Pen
  • Behavior charts
  • Timer

Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce new rules slowly, with no more than three new rules at a time. Too many rules makes it difficult for your child to remember them all. Starting slow and adding new rules when she masters the initial ones helps her remember what you expect of her.

    • 2

      Post pictures of the desired behavior in areas where you child will see them often, if you child cannot read. For example, a picture of a child washing her hands on the inside of the bathroom door can serve as a reminder to your child to wash her hands before leaving the bathroom.

    • 3

      Write reminders on index cards or notepaper and post them for older children. You should post notes to take out the trash, feed the dog or take care of laundry in prominent places. Alternately, posting a chore chart so your child can check off those he accomplished works well for many children.

    • 4

      Set a timer to go off at regular intervals to encourage self-monitoring, particularly if your child has many opportunities to break the new rule. For example, if the new rule is to put away toys before taking out a new one, a timer reminds your child to check whether she put away her toys.

    • 5

      Discuss your expectations with your child before activities, such as going out to eat or going to the store. Reminding him of the rules that apply to the activity helps to keep them fresh in his mind.

    • 6

      Review the rules with your child in the morning before she begins her day. Expressing how well she did following the rules yesterday, while being careful to state the new rule, gives her positive feedback while reminding her of the rules.

    • 7

      Remind your child of the rules and give him a chance to correct his behavior. For example, if you forbid running in the house, remind him as soon as he begins to run. If he complies and slows to a walk, praise him for following the rules.

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