Do and Don’t For Children – Create Healthy Baby habits
Some of the best tips of Do and Don’t for Children that creates healthy baby habits are listed below :
The Do’s
Talk with your child; listen to your child :
Let your child express what s/he feels. Include him/her in conversations that allow him/her to hear and be heard. Young children have very intense emotions and should be allowed to talk about them. When a child is allowed to talk honestly about his/her feelings; s/he can learn appropriate ways to express them.
Encourage positive behavior :
It has far more power than punishing poor behavior!
Establish house rules :
Be clear about rules and expectations. A child needs limits that are considered as a safety net. The most secure children have consistent, predictable limits. Children who are uncertain about their limits constantly test the boundaries. Let young children decide between limited alternatives. This teaches them to think for themselves and learn to take responsibility for their actions. Setting and maintaining reasonable, appropriate expectations helps a child feel safe and capable.
Time Out :
Time out makes a good discipline action. If rules are broken or your child is acting up, you can place him/her in time out, where s/he must sit quietly without play or interaction for a short period of time. For minor behavior problems, time out has had good results because children don’t like to be out of action.
Teach respect :
Don’t underestimate the intelligence of your child. Children can quickly learn and grasp concepts. Teaching respect should start very young. This building block will reward your child right into adulthood.
Show you care :
Reinforce to your child how important s/he is. Tell him/her often that you love him/her. Tell him/her when s/he does a good job and use positive reinforcement every chance you can. Quality time is far more important than quantity. Make every moment count.
Be firm and consistent :
Yes is yes. No is no, always! Only with consistency can you expect your child to act consistently. If you are wishy-washy or over the map, how can you expect your child to tow the line? You can can be firm but gentle at the same time. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in developing the behaviour you want from your child.
Build self-esteem :
Let your child try more things on his/her own. Stand back. Offer assistance only when it is sought.
Show appreciation :
Say “thank you”, only when you feel appreciative. This contrasts with using false appreciation as a positive
reinforcement type of behavior control.
The DON’Ts
Don’t use punishment to inculcate fear:
Parents who use punishment, threats, force, anger, disapproval, judgment and control; create feelings of: fear, resentment, powerlessness, anger, defensiveness, insecurity. Fear kills learning and creates dependency, affecting the child’s self-esteem.
Avoid labellings :
Label ‘feelings’, not ‘children’. They limit our potential. Avoid labeling your child as ‘lazy’, ‘idiot’, ‘brat’, etc.
Avoid unrealistic expectations or comparisons :
Every parent wants the best for their child. But parents typically believe they know what is best for their child, before they get to know their child. Imposing their preferences, beliefs, fears and values do not help – it only results in conflicts.
Avoid hitting and yelling :
When you are angry with your child’s behavior, never strike out. Hitting teaches your child fear. Never yell or name call your child. Name calling hurts. If you are busy yelling at the top of your lungs, what kind of example are you setting for your child? You cannot get to know your children by ordering them around, judging, punishing, threatening and interrogating them. When we are imposed upon, sooner or later, we reject this imposition. The mere independent we are, according to unique genetic code, the more completely we reject such imposition, and choose, instead, to find our own way.
admin @ July 14, 2009