Let’s face it, being a parent is not easy. With busy schedules and daily tasks, becoming quickly overwhelmed is far to normal somedays. Because of the stress that comes with everyday life, we can sometimes come up a bit short in areas that require patience and understanding. As the number one Bangor child care center, our team at Watch Me Shine, understands – we promise! However, recognizing and taking action are musts when it comes to controlling challenging behaviors with our children.
Here, our team is presenting you with two simple at-home shifts to help you (as a parent) improve those challenges.
Replacing “Don’t” with “Do”
Take a moment and imagine yourself at work. Now imagine being told “don’t” all day by your managers. At some point, this one word will drag you down, making you feel frustrated. This is no different than how your child may be feeling when experiencing the word at home.
By taking the time to reword your thoughts, you can have a positive impact on their actions. For example, instead of saying, “We don’t color on the wall,” try “Crayons are for paper and coloring books. Which one would you like to color in?” Although frustrating situations often create quick reactions, it’s crucial to control how we response in these instances.
Replacing “No” with “When”
Children are spontaneous and impulsive. Thus, you can expect them to ask for something at the worst moment possible. It’s easy for us to respond with “no.” However, this is not the best option. Again, put yourself in your child’s shoes for a moment and feel the impact of this two-letter word. A better option is to use “when.”
For example, imagine you’re in the middle of a project that needs to be completed. Out of nowhere, your child is asking to take a walk or play outside. Instead of responding with “no” or “now’s not a good time,” try to spin it. Let your child know that you need to finish what you started, but ask them when a better time would be. “Would you like to go when I finish, or this afternoon after our snack?” Give them the choice and stick to the decision.
At Watch Me Shine, we believe that investing in children begins with their environment. Allowing their imaginations to grow with positive reinforcement and encouragement is key to their success. While it’s not always easy, a few simple changes can make a world of difference.
For more tips on behavioral management, please contact the number one Bangor child care center, Watch Me Shine. We believe in unlocking the fullest potential of every child through learning and early intervention. Please contact us by calling (207) 990-0162.
