Utilize motivation. Determining what is most important to a child is key when changing or maintaining behavior. Like adults, children engage in behaviors for a reason. When parents capitalize on motivation by giving them things they like following appropriate behavior, children learn that those positive behaviors will get them the attention, preferred items, etc. It is fun for parents to give their children “freebies,” to love on them through quality time or give them gifts “just because.” However, it can be helpful for parents to make those fun things contingent on positive behavior as a strategy to increase the desired behaviors. Be consistent. Parents’ words have value. However, if actions do not align with those words, that value decreases. Often parents may use empty threats such as, “If you do that one more time, we are leaving,” or “We won’t open that present until you say thank you.” If the child must leave following that behavior or doesn’t get the present unless they say thank you, they learn that those words have meaning. When words have meaning, children are more likely to comply with the expectations set for them. On the flip side, children are much less likely to follow parents’ instructions if there is little follow-through. Threats are not ideal to start with, but they are detrimental to positive behavior when they are empty. Focus on positive behaviors. Each time a child engages in unwanted behavior, parents have an opportunity to teach positive behaviors instead. Rather than saying, “do not ____” or “stop ____,” it is beneficial to state the behavior the child should engage in. For example, saying “sit on the couch” instead of “stop jumping on the couch” provides a directive to the child on what they should do and limits attention to what they should not do. When the child follows the directive to engage in the positive behavior, parents should again utilize motivation to increase that behavior over time. Not only will the above strategies change a child’s behavior, but they will also improve the parent-child relationship. Here’s to a new year and three approaches used to meet those parenting resolutions! l
Protect those
New Gadgets If you received an electronic for a holiday gift, look at getting coverage to help keep it safe and supported. Did you know we offer protection for more than just phones? Through Verizon, you can get protection for select home entertainment, home office, wearables, and smart home products. PLUS, you get premium tech support with digital security features. If your eligible home entertainment or smart home products experience a breakdown that is covered, we’ll repair it or replace it for you!
What’s included:
• Premium tech support • 24/7 access to experts that can answer any tech question virtually • Two in-home visits per year from technical experts • Digital Secure App will avoid risky websites, safeguard data on public Wi-Fi, and get ID theft alerts * Limitations and exclusions apply.
Visit CellOnly for more details. Tech tip brought to you by:
41st & Louise next to EyeMart (605) 362-2900 Dawley Farm in front of Target (605) 275-4146
