How to Explain & Reduce Anti-Social Behavior in a Child

When you want to confront anti-social behavior in a child, one of the best places to start is by defining and explaining the issue to ensure that your child understands the concept. With a first-things-first approach, the next step involves building on this foundation and moving forward to reduce these negative behaviors in your child. A firm and positive plan will help you teach your child more positive behavior.

Instructions

    • 1

      Define anti-social for your child to explain the common behaviors that frequently fit this issue. The main behaviors that comprise anti-social conduct include stealing, fighting and lying, states clinical psychologist Alan E. Kazdin, with Psi Chi ̵1; the International Honor Society in Psychology. These behaviors commonly result in harmful and hurtful actions against others.

    • 2

      Talk about the rights common to all people, that they be able to live in peace and safety without fear and worry over disturbances, annoyances and danger, advises the Paradigm Housing Group. With these basic rights in mind, discuss the concept that respect, tolerance and acceptance have a significant impact on how people get along with one another.

    • 3

      Explore common emotions and feelings with your child to help him gain a more thorough understanding of both positive and negative emotions. This emotional literacy provides children with the familiarity and vocabulary to recognize and express feelings, when appropriate, advises the Center for Effective Collaboration and Practice, a center that works in collaboration with the U.S. departments of Education and Health and Human Services.

    • 4

      Brainstorm positive problem-solving techniques that will enable your child to resolve differences and work toward positive outcomes. If a child stops long enough to consider several different solutions to an issue and thinks through each solution to its probable outcome, she has a stronger chance of choosing an option that will result in a positive outcome for others and herself, suggests the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities.

    • 5

      Discuss conflict resolution with others to help your child realize that it̵7;s possible to resolve conflicts without violence or negativity. Acknowledge that sometimes your child will feel angry because of something someone else does or says. Instead of responding with physical violence, a temper tantrum or aggression, your child could communicate calmly and clearly about the situation with the person involved and then work proactively to choose a solution to the problem, advises the Women̵7;s and Children̵7;s Health Network. Remind your child that conflict resolution may take time, but as long as everyone remains respectful and calm, it should be possible to resolve problems.

    • 6

      Communicate expectations regarding anti-social behavior, the West Midlands (UK) Police website states. In accordance with laws, local ordinances and family rules, outline your specific rules for personal conduct and behavior for your child so he understands his limitations. Urge children to make a commitment to avoid anti-social behavior.

    • 7

      Monitor your child̵7;s behavior to ensure that she adheres to your expectations. If you find that your child̵7;s behavior does not meet your expectations, impose a logical consequence that fits the infraction. Remain consistent with her to train your child to obey and comply.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Keep Cool When Disciplining Children
      Some days it feels like your child knows just what to do to spark your anger. You know you should stay calm, but keeping your emotions in check is often a challenge while disciplining a child. When you lose your cool, you may end up yelling, discipli
    • How to Raise Young Children During a Military Deployment
      Deployment is rarely easy for a military family, but the impact can be especially difficult for children due to lack of understanding, anxiety and even anger. As you parent young children during a deployment, your challenges will be many. Your youngs
    • Rules on Booster Seats
      Children who have reached the height and weight limits of their toddler car seats are ready for booster seats. Booster seats are designed for children who have outgrown toddler car seats, but have not reached the right height and weight to wear an or