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Why Does My Child Have Behavior Problems
What Has Happen to Our Children?
The world is a totally different place than it was just a few decades ago. Today the way people talk, dress, and think has been reformed drastically. Especially has changed is the way children view and respect themselves, their parents, and others. Years ago, you would not have thought of turning your television on to see and hear about some of the most horrendous crimes committed by young ones. As a parent, one would understandably ask: What is happening to our children?
Many probably would disagree, but to answer that question, you have to start with the parents. Parents play a vital role in the outcome of their children. How so? Children learn from their parents, mostly by what they see and not what they are told. I have heard children as young as two years old use foul language. Where would a young child learn such distasteful words? More than likely the parents.
Therefore, it is very important for parents to watch what they teach their children. This mean being mindful of the way you conduct yourself around and with your children. We all have heard the phrase “do as I say and not as I do”. Well, children do the opposite. They more so do what you do and disregard what you say.
As parents, where can we start as we endeavor to help our children? Here are few tips you can try, to help ensure you are setting a good example at home.
Avoid Using Foul Language
It's a given, if you use curse words or foul language, your child will likely pick up the habit as well. Hearing a child speak such words is very unpleasant!
Use Appreciative Words
If you never say "please" and "thank you" they likely won't bother to use those appreciative words either. This can be done easily! Just start saying it and they will too. Children also need to know the importance of saying "excuse me" and "I'm sorry". If your child is aware of a mistake you have made, especially if it was towards them, apologizing about it teaches them the importance of not only forgiving but saying "I'm sorry".
Avoid Smoking, Drug Use, and Alcohol Abuse
It has been noted that children parent's that use drugs, smoke, and abuse alcohol have a greater chance of doing so as well. Sadly some children have witness the abuse of a parent due to alcohol abuse. Again, what the children see, they often end up imitating themselves.
Avoid Constant Viewing of Violence
Television is another big influence in kid’s behavior. How? Again, children are more likely to imitate what they see others doing. If children constantly watch television programs with violence, cursing, or other inappropriate material, they may well decide to act out scenes from what they have viewed. If a parent finds that their child seems to enjoy engaging in violent or aggressive behavior, they may want to examine the type of movies or television programs their child is watching.
The same whole true with playing violent video games. Children who play these types of games are at risk. At risk for what? Being violent themselves. Playing a video game almost gives you the feeling of what you are doing is real. So many video games involve killing people and sometimes innocent people. That is not a role I would want my children playing.
Make Time for "Family Time"
Family time should be just that-Family Time! As a parent you want to set aside time each day to spend with your children. It's not always the amount of time either but the quality. Children need proper attention and sometimes if they feel they are not getting it they act out. Providing an adequate amount of attention can help alleviate disruptive behavior.
Eating and talking together at dinner or talking with your child each night at their bed side can go a long way. This can be effective with young and older kids.
Watch How You Treat Others
If our children constantly see us mistreating others, it is likely that they will do the same. For children to learn how to develop good friendships or relationships, they have to learn the proper way to treat others. Parents can set a good example by showing respect for other peoples feelings, belongs and even space.