Behaviour Management

How Can I Help My Shy Child?

Even talkative, sociable children sometimes become shy when meeting new people for the first time. Try not to force your child to mix before they are ready. Introduce him to other children or let them sit with you until they feel ready to  join in.

How Can I Stop My Child Having Bad Dreams?

Listen carefully to your child when they tell you about their bad dream, even if it sounds silly. Help your child to come up with a plan to tackle the ‘nightmare monster’. For instance, search the room with your child to check that no monster is present. Limit fantasy stories and television programmes to well before bedtime instead of allowing them to fuel your child’s imagination. A restful environment can be another key to helping avoid nightmares and poor sleep patterns.  Choose restful colour schemes and avoid too much clutter in the bedroom. Try to be patient and reassuring at all times to minimise anxiety.

How Can I Stop My Child Telling Lies?

This is a normal part of a child’s development. Most children tell lies at some stage and for a variety of different reasons:

• exploratory lying is done just to see how you will react. A gentle reprimand may be sufficient when they are very young.
• bragging involves telling exaggerated stories. Most bragging is harmless but can be discouraged by reminding your child of their real strengths. Build their self esteem by praising them
• fantasy lies tend to be a phase of normal development. Fantasy lies confuse make believe with the real world.
• cover up lies may be told to avoid punishment. Parents often find them the most worrying

The Following Tips May Help You To Deal With The Lies:

• try to stay calm and not worry unnecessarily
• explain to your child why being truthful is important. If they are able to tell you the truth you will be impressed and the punishment will be smaller.
• try not to punish too severely. If your child is too afraid of what might happen to them they are more likely to lie in future.

How Can I Help My Child To Stop Stealing?

 It is relatively common for young children to see something they like and take it hoping that no one will find out. This should not cause undue worry as it is simply the lack of an adult sense of right and wrong that is prompting them to act in this way. Explain clearly and calmly why it is unacceptable to behave in this way and ensure that the item is returned. There is a strong chance that they will stop stealing quite quickly.

How Can I Discipline My Child?

Parents who adopt a consistent, positive approach to discipline tend to have to punish their children far less than those who adopt a very permissive attitude or, alternatively, those who are too strict. You cannot expect your child to never be naughty, but there are some things you can do to reduce the chances of misbehaving.

• build your child’s self-esteem by letting them do things on their  own, such as getting dressed.
• reassure your child that they are loved
• praise your child when they do well
• be consistent in your approach to discipline. Set clear limits and stick to them
• try to spend time with your child and pay them plenty of attention
• try to lead by example.