SOS!!! Help for Parents A Practical Guide for Handling Common Everyday Behavior Problems

Why Kids Behave and Misbehave Good and bad behavior are shaped by the reward a child receives Sometimes caregivers “accidentally” reward and strengthen a child’s misbehavior

Example: It is Jack’s bedtime. However Jack is not ready for bed. He begins to cry, scream, etc. Being exhausted yourself, what do you do?

Three Child Rearing Rules Rule 1- Reward good behavior (quickly and often) Rule 2- Don’t “accidentally” reward bad behavior Rule 3- Discipline some bad behavior

Rule One- Reward Good Behavior When a child gets rewarded for engaging in a particular behavior, the behavior is strengthened or reinforced People repeat behavior that they have received rewards. So if you like it-reward it.

Social Rewards Works for both children and adults Examples: smiles, hugs, verbal praise, attention Praise the behavior not the child-it is more effective

Material Rewards This would include materials or activities Social rewards are more powerful than material rewards Social rewards are usually more convenient Remember to give right after the desired behavior

Rule 2: Don’t “Accidentally” Reward Bad Behavior This strengthens the behavior and makes it more likely for the misbehavior to occur again This is usually done unintentionally Most common child rearing mistakes

Rule 3: Punish Some Bad Behavior Use mild punishment only Mild punishments such as scolding, natural consequences, logical consequences, time- out, and behavior penalty Don’t use grim threats, sarcasm, or hard spankings

Four Child Rearing Errors To Avoid Parents fail to reward good behavior Parents “accidentally” punish good behavior Parents “accidentally” reward bad behavior Parents fail to punish bad behavior