Change Your Child's Behaviour - The Good Behaviour Game

All children want to behave well, only problem is - sometimes they simply just do not know how to behave well or they have been behaving a particular way for a long time unchecked and do not know how to change their behaviour.

As parents we need to teach our children the behaviours that we want them to have. For example, if your child frequently argues with you and / or answers back, then we can change such a behaviour by choosing not to argue with our kids.Instead of contributing to the argument we need to think smarter and if need be, just ignore them for a bit.

There is a game called the Good Behavior Game and it can be used in such situations when you wish to change your child's behaviour.

The process involves writing a short list of good behaviors on a chart that can be stuck up on the wall or on the fridge. It is recommended that you make such charts together with your child, so as to allow them to be involved in the planning stages. Also, be sure to explain to your child what the chart is for and how it is used. Using a good behaviour chart is simple, all you have to do is mark the chart with a star or a sticker each time your child performs the good behavior. After a period of time, let's say a week, your child will have accumulated some stars / stickers. Then you may give him or her a reward. (the number of stars / stickers needed to receive a reward needs to be decided during the planning stage.)

Good behaviour charts are effective because of the fact that they can be placed in a visible area where your child is able to see it. Thus being able to see their progress. If you decided to buy them a new toy, then you might like to draw a picture of it and stick it to the chart with a big label saying GOAL!

If your child sees that they are getting nearer to the goal, they are likely to make more of an effort to behave well. Usually the result of your child being actively involved in the process of creating the chart and having input about when goals can be reached and what rewards will be received is enough to completely change your child's behaviour.  Learning a few basic methods for changing child behaviour is NOT difficult and every parent CAN do it, even YOU!

Being proactive and thinking of new ways to combat changing child behaviour is about the only thing that parents can do to manage their children's behaviour.