Childrens Section Part 11

Only reprimand children if they appear to be purposely misbehaving. Do not shout at them, or smack them, to attempt to correct their behaviour. Be very firm with them. Let your child know that this is unacceptable behaviour by attempting to reason with him/her. Never give in and allow your child to carry on with bad behaviour or have the last word on the subject. If needs be, just make him/her stand in a corner of the room for about ten minutes, - allowing the child to leave earlier if he/she says, “sorry” – and wishes to return to normal behaviour. (Encourage the word, “sorry”). If a child is having a temper tantrum, do not allow him/her to leave the corner until they have finished the tantrum – but occasionally try and reason with your young one during this time. Give him/her lots of praise afterwards, - telling him/her that they are being a good boy/girl now, – and then immediately alter the thoughts in your child’s mind. Talk about going shopping later or having lunch soon or whatever. Never try and “buy back” their affection by saying that you will take him/her on a special treat later.

This will encourage the child to act badly in future – expecting to have a treat to follow. Sooner or later the child will come to realise that he/she is never going to get the “upper hand”.