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Parents act quite reasonably, not paying attention to minor misconduct and pranks of children. This teaches the child that such antics will not attract attention to themselves, and as a result, he is unlikely to behave this way again. However, some actions cannot be ignored.
In her ten-year practice, family therapist Leanne Evila has identified several behavioral problems in children that require immediate parental response.
1. He interrupts
Your child is excited about something and wants to talk about it immediately. If you allow him to interfere in the conversation and interrupt you, then you make it clear that this is permissible. So you will not teach your child to think about others and look for something to do for himself. The next time your child tries to interrupt you, let him know that you are busy. Suggest what he can play.
2. He exaggerates
Everything starts with small things. At first, he says that he finished his vegetables, although in fact he barely touched them. This little lie, of course, does no particular harm to anyone, but still the words of the child do not correspond to reality. You may think that this is nonsense, but the tendency to lie can increase over time.
True, it is important to remember that at the age of two to four years, the child does not yet understand what truth and lies are. Praise children when they tell the truth. Teach them to be honest, even when it gets them into trouble.
3. He pretends not to hear
You should not repeatedly ask the child to put away toys or get into the car. Ignoring your requests on his part is a struggle for power. Over time, this will only get worse.
The next time you need to ask your son or daughter for something, go up to your child and look him in the eye.
Get him or her to say, «Okay, Mom (Dad).» If your child is watching TV, you can turn it off. If necessary, as a punishment, you can deprive the child of entertainment — for example, reduce the time spent on gadgets from an hour to half an hour.
4. He is too rude during games.
If your older son is beating his younger brother, naturally you will intervene. But you can’t turn a blind eye to less obvious manifestations of aggression — for example, if he pushes his brother or ignores him. Such behavior must be stopped at an early age, otherwise it will only get worse later. If you allow your child to behave in this way, then as if showing him that it is permissible to hurt others.
Take your son aside and explain to him that this is not the way to do it. Do not let him play with younger brothers and sisters until he learns to behave with them properly.
5. He takes sweets without asking
It is convenient when a son or daughter grabs something to eat and turn on the TV without disturbing you. When a two-year-old reaches for a cookie lying on the table, it looks cute. Otherwise, it will look when, at the age of eight, he or she at a party begins to grab sweets without permission. It is important to establish certain rules at home and make sure that the children know them well.
6. He is rude
Children can start being rude as early as preschool age. They imitate the behavior of their parents and look at their reaction. Parents often do not pay attention, thinking that this will pass. However, if you allow your child to behave disrespectfully, over time the situation will get out of control.
Let the child know that you see how he defiantly rolls his eyes. It is important that he becomes ashamed of his behavior. At the same time, explain that you agree to talk to him when he is ready to talk politely and respectfully.