One of the best compliments a parent can receive is to be told that their children are well-behaved. Many parents struggle to discover the best parenting style to discipline their children. They often struggle to find balanced disciplinary tactics that do not rely on too much or too little punishment. This makes raising a well-behaved child even more challenging for many parents. If you’re also having trouble disciplining your children, then try these six proven ways to raise well-behaved children.
1. Punishment Is Not a Solution.
Punishment is the least effective form of disciplining technique. Fear and punishment can act as a temporary way to regulate the child’s behavior, but it will only make the child rebellious in the long run. Punishments reflect the negative temperament of the parents, which children might adopt in the future. Instead, use techniques like time out, taking privilege, and positive reinforcement to promote good behavior in children.
Recommended reading: Top 10 Disciplining Mistakes to Avoid
2. Set Clear Rules
The rules are more likely to be obeyed when parents establish solid routines that support them. If children know that a rule is unbreakable, they are more inclined to follow it. Remember that if your rules are unclear, your children will find excuses to disobey you and justify their poor conduct. Consistency and creating consequences are the key to effectively implementing these rules.
3. Follow a Positive Approach
Children are more likely to learn from a proactive approach than a reactive one. Although the proactive approach through positive parenting strategies is more challenging to practice, it is still one of the most effective parenting techniques to raise well-behaved children. You reap what you sow; therefore, a positive approach goes a long way in raising a well-behaved child.
4. Cultivate a Sense of Right or Wrong
It is okay to feel bad. Don’t try to pacify the child if he has felt bad for breaking a rule. Guilt is a part of the realization of what is right and wrong. Use it to teach children that mistakes are part of life and we should constantly learn from our mistakes. As parents, provide them enough opportunities to make mistakes and learn the right way to behave appropriately in a particular situation.
5. Practice Patience
In times of instant everything, it is important to teach children the art of being patient. Children mostly misbehave and act impulsively because of low tolerance levels. By instantly fulfilling all their demands, we make children believe that everything is available at a click of a button. Help them practice patience by engaging them in activities like puzzles, block building, gardening, sewing, etc.
6. Allow Decision Making
Allow children to figure out things on their own. At times children misbehave because they feel powerless. Kids can take decisions like what they want to wear or eat. Deciding for self empowers them and allows the mind to comprehend right and wrong.
Psychologists Say:
Regardless of how hard you try to prevent it, kids will misbehave at certain times. Raising a well-behaved child is not an overnight process. So, you will need to invest your time and energy to teach children how to behave appropriately. Remember, children learn what they see their parents doing. Only a well-behaved parent can raise a well-behaved child.
