Knowing the Triggers of Bad Behavior in Children
Kids have no idea how to handle or preempt their bad behavior simply because they do not know how what the triggers of their bad behaviors are. As a parent, it is your job to help your kids identify these triggers the right way.
Kids are prone to pulling their parents back to that incident and making them feel that they should be guilty. This is where parents must take control of the situation.
One of the most effective ways to help a child know the triggers of his bad behavior is to ask him about his previous outbursts. For example, you can ask your child, “Do you remember the last time you pulled your baby sister’s hair? It was the time she borrowed your crayons.” Or, you can try saying, “Do you remember that Friday night when I asked if you were out drinking with your friends? That was the last time you lied.”
It is very important that you remind your child how a certain misbehavior transpired. Aside from that, you should also let your child understand that sometimes it is possible that it is his perceptions that are wrong. Explain this to your child by saying something like, “Honey, I know you think it is not fair that we do not allow you to go out and drink with your friends. But understand that we are not trying to take away your friends. We just want you to hang out and have fun without destroying your health.”
The important thing in this scenario is for the child to express his views, his ideas and whatever he thinks is happening. As a parent, you must also make your kid understand that perceptions of what’s happening may differ in every person and it may be that what one person thinks of what happened is not what really happened.
Telling your child these things could lead to negative reactions, so make sure that you keep your focus all the time. Usually, this is where the tantrums and the crying comes in. Your child will make you feel guilty, but do not give in.
Do not let your child get to you. No matter how deep the guilt trip your child has put upon you, stand firm with your decisions and with what you think is best for your child.
Author Katherine Thompson loves to share about teenagers with defiant attitude. Learn how to be a more effective parent by visiting her website about problem children.
April 29, 2011 | Posted by Alice Thompson
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