If you’re frustrated because your child’s behavior is getting out of control, it can be hard to know where to start. The good news is that there are a number of ways you can help your child break his bad habits.

The key is to use discipline that helps your child learn skills for success. Rather than punishing your child, use guidance, teaching, and a positive relationship to teach them how to behave.

Reward Good Behavior

The most effective way to encourage your child’s good behavior is through praise and attention. However, there are all kinds of other rewards that can be given to children as well.

You can also set up a reward chart where your child earns points for a variety of good behaviors. For example, your child might get a sticker or star for tidying their room each day.

But the most powerful rewards can be tangible items – for example, a special treat or a new toy. This can help motivate your child to stay on track with their goals and continue to work hard toward them.

Research has shown that rewards are helpful for improving some behaviors, but not all. It is possible to have a rewards system that works for your child, but it can take time and patience to see results.

Punish Bad Behavior

Punishing bad behavior may be one of the most difficult tasks you’ll face as a parent. But it’s a necessary evil; children need to learn that misbehavior isn’t acceptable.

While there’s no “right” way to discipline your child, there are a few things you should know that will help make the process go more smoothly.

First, remember to use positive reinforcement when you see your child doing something good. This is known as “positive parenting” and can be effective for a variety of reasons.

Second, use consequences that aren’t disproportionate. Disproportionate punishments can leave your child feeling demoralized and less likely to behave well in the future.

Also, avoid using corporal punishment unless it’s absolutely necessary. Corporal punishment can be very dangerous for your child, and it can teach them to view other people as less powerful than they are.

Redirect Bad Behavior

Redirecting bad behavior can help diffuse the situation and reduce the emotional intensity of a tantrum or outburst. It also prevents the behavior from escalating to a more dangerous or disruptive level.

It helps children learn how to manage their feelings and impulses in an appropriate way so that they can become more productive in school and in life.

Redirection works best when the child is not overly dysregulated or close to melting down and can be applied quickly and effectively.

Respectful redirection involves a brief, consistent, systematic correction with feedback that teaches the student how to avoid or change an undesirable behavior in accordance with classroom expectations. Redirective feedback is especially helpful for students who learn differently and for those who have learning disabilities.

Redirecting is a teaching strategy that can be used with a variety of different age groups and in various settings. With patience, creativity, and a willingness to try new techniques, it can be an effective way to break a child’s bad behavior.

Stay Calm

When kids are feeling upset, angry, or overwhelmed, it can be hard to stay calm. But yelling, overreacting, or losing your cool will only escalate the situation.

If you’re struggling with this, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you need to stay calm. After you calm down, guide dialogue with your child about what made them feel angry.

Explain that they may be having a difficult time dealing with something in their life, or that they’re simply tired. Help them to find a way to shift their mood and think of a different way to handle the situation.

You can also teach your child to change their behavior by enforcing consistent consequences for bad behavior. For example, you can tell your child that they won’t play with a favorite toy or go to a friend’s house for a while if they continue to misbehave.