Difficult Child

Parenting can be a rewarding experience even though it is not always an easy job. There are many challenges that parents face, and a hard-to-manage child is at the top of the list. Dealing with a difficult child can be overwhelming and frustrating, but, with the right tools, parents can modify the problematic behavior.

There are many reasons why a child misbehaves. Determining these reasons is the first step in improving the behavior. Once you know the motive behind the poor conduct, you can choose the appropriate method of discipline. Negative behavior may be caused by a physical trauma, an emotional devastation, a genetic or hormonal condition, poor diet, a need for attention, or even a desire for power in the household If a child is exhibiting negative behavior due to a trauma or emotionally disturbing event, a physical and psychological evaluation may be necessary. Genetic causes of misbehavior may be treated with medications that calm the child. No matter what the reasons are for the misconduct, it takes unique parenting skills to modify a child’s behavior.

Improving Behavior in the Difficult Child

Improving behavior in any child is a process, and it will likely take some time to accomplish. It is important to recognize that there will be some failures and some successes. Patience is the key to gaining more success than failure. A child’s behavior often mirrors his or her parent’s behavior, so if you want your child to display self control, you must do so yourself. If you become agitated and frustrated when disciplining your child, you teach your child that behavior. Take a cooling down period when you need it, so you can approach any issue calmly and steadily. A cooling down period can be useful for your child as well. Patience is essential during any power struggle with a child.

Positive Reinforcement Improves Behavior

Positive reinforcement with a hard-to-manage child can go a long way. The more positive attention your child receives, the less she will want to seek out attention in a negative manner. When confronting a child who has misbehaved, commend her on recent good behavior. Once a positive approach is taken, you can address the bad behavior. Impress upon your child that you have confidence she will not misbehave again. Dealing with an unruly child also requires creativity. Children who can predict the outcome of a negative act will often continue misbehaving. If you do something unexpected during the disciplinary process, your child may be surprised into compliance. Giving a child a say in the process is also an effective tool. Children who are given a choice in the type of discipline they receive will feel as if they are part of the process and not a pawn in an adult game. You can allow your child to choose a fair consequence for her actions or a time frame during which the punishment will occur. Having input in the disciplinary process teaches your child to be fully responsible for her actions. It is important to remember that physical punishment is rarely effective, and it should be avoided in order to maintain a trusting relationship with your child.

Use a Reward System

One of the best ways to improve behavior in a hard-to-handle child is the use of a reward system. A reward system is a method used to promote proper behavior. With a system that grants rewards, every time your child does something positive, that behavior gets recorded. After a specified numer of good deeds have been performed, your child gets a compensation for her actions. Kid Pointz allows you to effectively keep track of and reward your child’s behavior. By using a points sytsem, you can choose specific rules and guidelines that your child will need to follow. There are a number of common rules to choose from, and you can create your own unique ones as well. Each rule is assigned a point of worth, and rewards are given based on the number of points achieved. Incentive items are given a specified point value, so your child can strive to acquire the rewards she wants. Kid Pointz keeps track of each point for you, so you and your child can see your child's progress. You and your child can decide on a list of potential rewards for her good behavior. The process of earning and tracking points should be fun, and the rewards should be based on your child’s likes and interests. Choose rewards that are highly motivating, and your child will work extra hard to achieve them. Rewards can include tangible items, mini vacations, or special privileges. When your child does something extraordinary, keep track of it on the chart as well.

The Kid Pointz incentive program is a creative way to modify bad behavior. It is successful for a number of reasons:

• Emphasis is placed on good behavior rather than bad.
• The repetition of a specified behavior will eventually become a habit.
• Your child can determine the most effective motivation factors.
• Parents are reminded to give praise.
• Boundaries are established in a clear way.

Raising a difficult child does not have to be exasperating. Proper parenting skills and creative techniques can support you in your efforts to improve behavior problems. It is essential to establish limits while giving your child the freedom of expression. Patience, determination, and open communication with your child will enable you to establish a healthy relationship. Positive reinforcement is a strong disciplinary method that can transform a difficult child into an obedient, responsible one.