Let’s be real, parenting can be hard! From making sure you instill the right values in your children, to helping them eventually become responsible adults, the job can be tough. There are many important steps that come as you raise your child. Things like potty training, bed time, and social integration can all be difficult.
As children grow up, they learn the most from their primary caregiver and their environment. That being said, you can become the primary motivator in helping them become responsible and create positive habits. If you want to help eliminate bad habits that come as children continue to learn, follow along here for some helpful tips and advice.
Positive reinforcement
In psychology, there is a concept known as positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective behavior modification techniques you can use. Not only is positive reinforcement effective in children, it is in adults too. For example, how many adults do you know who go to work for the positive reward of a paycheck at the end of the week. The paycheck provides the positive consequence of going to work. Like adults, children who receive positive reinforcement for their good work are more likely to continue that trend. Positive reinforcement can include something as simple as a high five, hug, or offering praise.
A great idea is a tangible reward like taking your child to the playground or buying them a small item they have been wanting. You can set up a system like placing a marble in a jar every time they do their chores. Eventually, once the jar fills up they can claim it in for something bigger. Whatever the case, they will feel more motivated to complete their chores and follow through on their habits.
Involve your child in breaking the habit
Maybe you want your child to stop biting their nails or stop thumb sucking. Both of these are common habits that may develop due to boredom or anxiousness. If you’re 6 year old comes home telling you other kids made fun of their thumb sucking this may be their way of asking for help. As a parent, you can ask your kid to help you come up with ways they could stop this habit or if they want to. Try to involve your child in the process, that way they won’t feel singled out and embarrassed. You can work on breaking the habit together!
Don’t lash out
If your baby spills food all over the floor, it may take some effort to hold back your frustration. However, the more you yell and get angry that your child will not stop their bad habit, the more it reflects badly on them. First off, it is natural for young children and toddlers to develop habits like picking their nose or hair twirling. It is important to wait it out and be patient with them as they continue to work on it. Shaming and shouting at your child for their poor behavior will only result in them thinking of you as a bully and fearing you. Instead, try to come at it from a caring place and act like their friend in the situation. Make them feel comfortable so they understand they can depend on you.
Suggest alternative behaviors
For example, if your child is a nail biter, don’t say stop biting your nails, try saying, let’s wiggle our fingers together. This will help to increase their awareness of the habit and replace it with something different. If your little one has a routine of sucking their thumb right before bed or as they become bored try implementing a distraction. A good distraction could be reading them a bedtime story or working on a craft. Replacing a habit with a positive alternative behavior could be the key element you’ve been searching for.
Patience and perseverance
Even as adults, we all have habits it is a part of the human psyche. Kids are very flexible but they can have their moments of stubbornness. Do not expect to break the habit right away, be patient and don’t give up because they will get it! The best thing you can do is remain a positive motivator for your child.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind