Ain't Misbehavin'

As parents, we all expect some level of obedience from our kids. When we yell, "Stop, don't run into the street," we expect our child to obey. If we tell our child to brush her teeth and get ready for bed, we hope she'll do it without whining, arguments or too many complaints.

Too often, though, it's a struggle to get kids to behave properly without a fight. The "do it because I said so" method that so many parents resort to is usually ineffective. Overpowering the child only challenges the child to resist, leaving her undisciplined and the parent frustrated.

13 TECHNIQUES THAT REALLY WORK
Fortunately, there are methods to manage children's behavior without ugly confrontations, tears, temper tantrums, yelling, tongue lashings or spankings. This article covers 13 child compliance techniques that can help both you and your child obtain desirable goals.

By using these methods, you'll learn to move your child smoothly through daily routines and manage your child at home and in public situations. This will benefit not only you, but your child as well: Well-disciplined children feel respected and competent because they gain skills to manage themselves. They feel proud of themselves for complying rather than humiliated from being yelled at and forced to obey.

START EARLY, START YOUNG
Keep in mind that, during the preschool years, children can most easily learn the routines and discipline of certain necessary life skills, including acceptable behavior. Take advantage of your young child's receptiveness; it pays off later.

Jan Faull, a child-development and behavior specialist, is in her 25th year as a parent-education instructor and public speaker. She is the author of the recently published UNPLUGGING POWER STRUGGLES as well as MOMMY! I HAVE TO GO POTTY!, a guide to toilet training. Faull lives with her husband and three children in Renton, Washington.