Kids use their behavior to show how they’re feeling and what they’re thinking. Often, they’re communicating something through their behavior that they aren’t necessarily able to verbalize. When determining what discipline strategy to use, consider the possible underlying cause for the behavior problem.
They Want Attention
When parents talk on the phone, visit with friends or family, or are otherwise occupied, kids feel left out. Throwing a tantrum, whining, or hitting a sibling is a great way to attract attention.
Even if it’s negative attention, kids still crave it. Ignoring negative behavior and praising positive behavior is one of the best ways to deal with attention-seeking behaviors.How Positive Attention Reduces Behavior Issues
They’re Imitating
Kids learn how to behave by watching others. Whether they see a peer at school misbehave or they’re copying something they’ve seen on TV, kids will repeat what they see.
Limit your child’s exposure to aggressive behavior on TV, in video games, and in real life. Role-model healthy behavior to teach your child the appropriate way to behave in various situations.2
To Test Limits
When you’ve established rules and told kids what they’re not allowed to do, they often want to see if you’re serious. They test limits just to find out what the consequences will be when they break the rules.
Set clear limits and offer consequences consistently. If kids think there’s a small chance they may be able to get away with something, they’re often tempted to try it. If you show them that they’ll receive a negative consequence each time they break a rule, they’ll become more compliant.
