There are a few simple guidelines for you to help you handle your naughty child. Here are a few tips for dealing with naughty kids:
1. Fix Limits
Don’t accept everything your child says. Set limits and don’t put the responsibility of deciding what he needs and doesn’t need entirely on him. Be firm but gentle if he throws tantrums, then tell him that he won’t just get what he wants with such behaviour.
2. Be Consistent
Don’t treat your children differently every day. If one day you are firm with your child and lenient the next day, he won’t take you seriously. For instance, if one day you don’t allow him to watch TV for long, and the next day you let him watch all he wants just because you are busy and want him to keep quiet, it will send out a mixed message to your child. So be consistent in setting and following rules.
3. Give Your Child Some Independence
Don’t dictate every last thing what your child should do. Give him little independence with regards to choosing his own clothes or deciding how he would like to drink milk.
4. Limit Screen Time
Watching cartoons constantly without any limitation can increase agitation in children, making them over-excited and prone to naughty behaviour. So set limits on how long your child can watch TV or play games on the computer.
5. Define Consequences
Let your child know about the consequences of his naughty behaviour. He needs to know that he will get into trouble if he throws tantrums or shouts for no reason. Tell him that this kind of behaviour is unacceptable.
6. Stand Strong in the Face of a Tantrum
If your child has been crying continuously for long, you may be tempted to give in to his demands. But don’t fulfil his demands every time he cries or throws a fit, as it will only spoil him in the long run. He will think that by crying or shouting he can get anything, so learn to ignore his cries. He will stop crying on his own.
7. Pay Attention
Sometimes children display naughty behaviour because they want their parents’ attention. Learn to listen to your child calmly, ask him why he is acting that way and what can you do to make it stop. Your child will respond well to your considerate behaviour.
8. Don’t Scream
Don’t lose your temper and shout back at your child, this is counter-productive as it will make him stop his tantrum for the time being, but he will also learn to mimic you in the future.
9. Don’t Take Out Your Anger on Your Child
When you are in a bad mood, and your child is not behaving properly, don’t take out your negative emotions on him. If you shout at your child when he is not at fault, he will get angry at you and may misbehave. Stay calm and handle the situation with patience. Children are impressionable; your calm behaviour will be noted by your child and he will learn to stay calm in moments of anger by merely observing you.
10. Set a Regular Routine
When your child has holidays from school, set a regular timetable for him. That will set laws to live by, and your child won’t feel compelled to misbehave as he will have a solid routine to follow. Set a fixed sleeping and eating routine too.
Your own behaviour will be a mirror to your child’s behaviour, so make sure your behaviour is ideal for him to follow. Do not be too strict on him as this will make him naughty and nervous as he will not understand your feelings and your expectations of him. Being clear and transparent with your child will go a long way in making sure that he doesn’t act naughty all the time. Cherish, love and respect your child and he will respond in kind.
