| When can we say that a child's behavior is becoming | | | | you love him enough. Let him feel that unconditional |
| a problem? I, for one, understand this behavior not just | | | | love that only a parent can give. |
| because I'm a parent. I understand this because I was | | | | 4. Encourage him to join a group. Ask him if he wants |
| a child once and yes, at times my parents thought I | | | | to join a sports team, or a club where he can develop |
| was a problem child. Did this mean that I was a bad | | | | a sense of belonging with his peers. |
| kid? Maybe my parents just didn't know how to | | | | 5. Be consistent. It is better that you have only a few |
| "handle" me. Maybe, I didn't meet my parents' | | | | rules but enforce them consistently. This is very |
| expectations of what a "normal" child should be. | | | | important. If a child feels that he can get away with |
| A child's behavior depends on his age, personality, | | | | some things because you allow him sometimes, |
| physical and emotional development. As many of you | | | | believe me, he will come to expect this over and over. |
| may have noticed, you consider your child's behavior | | | | 6. Give time-outs, or other age-appropriate |
| as "bad" because your expectations are not met. I | | | | consequences for misbehavior. Your child should |
| must confess that I have done this with my own child. | | | | realize that there are consequences to misbehavior, |
| Often, this is what causes children and teens to rebel | | | | like there are rewards for being good. Time-outs |
| against their parents. As a parent, you should define | | | | should depend on your child's age. Older children need |
| what to expect from your child at certain ages. You | | | | more sophisticated consequences. |
| can't just tell them not to do something or stop doing a | | | | 7. Never give physical punishment. Aside from the fact |
| certain thing without them understanding why. You | | | | that you can go to jail for this, physical punishment |
| should not underestimate a child's ability to comprehend | | | | could only result in abuse, resentment or animosity |
| rules and reasons. This is one mistake that parents | | | | towards you. |
| often commit. Patience is the key. | | | | 8. Try new parenting skills. Ask your friends or relatives |
| Here are Ten Tips on How you can Cope with Child | | | | what parenting skill works for them and apply these |
| Behavior Problems | | | | ideas so you will find out what works best for you. |
| 1. Give him time to play. Children need to be children! | | | | 9. Time. To cope with your child's behavior problems, |
| They will always want to play and being too strict with | | | | you need to dedicate extra time and commitment. You |
| playtime will only make things worse. Imagine someone | | | | need to get to know your child better so you will know |
| telling you that you can no longer do your favorite | | | | the best way to deal with him. |
| hobby. How would you feel? | | | | 10. Seek help. If you think that you are having serious |
| 2. Listen. Talk to him about his day or things that | | | | child behavior problems, you should ask for |
| interest him. Just listen. | | | | professional help while your child is at an early age. |
| 3. Let him know that he is loved. You can never say | | | | |