Kids growing up these days seem to show more behavioral problems than before thanks to the internet. With videos and blogs profoundly displaying the truth about what really goes on during childhood, parents can be informed and not feel ashamed thinking they have the only kid who acts that way. Before the internet, parents often try to contain behavioral problems behind closed doors to prevent harsh criticism or judgements from others.
More knowledge, research, and compassion about why kids act the way they do based on environmental, mental, social, and physical factors. With the cat out of the bag, some parents have become less self-conscious and more open to helping others who also struggle with their adolescent's behavior. There are proven strategies that have shown to help some kids before these issues even start.
Discipline is not just for wrongdoing
Your child is depending upon you to show them right from wrong. Just because they are not doing anything improper, they still need guidance with day to day functions. Directing them with activities such as chores and hygiene early on could be help them to behave more responsibly and help them to better socialize.
Make reasonable expectations
You probably wish for your adolescent to do well in school and treat others with respect which are expectations that can help them to become responsible adults. Make it clear that your expectations are important to you and more than likely they will attempt to try and live up to them.
Parents make the best role models
If you walk the walk of what you want your kid to be like, they could watch your example and follow suit. Kids learn their mannerisms, verbiage, and characteristics from the people they around the most, and as a parent, you are their biggest influencer, so make it count.
Fend off power struggles
There is no need to argue with or criticize your much younger offspring. When your adolescent begins to whine, procrastinate, or bicker with you, chances are they are baiting you into an altercation thinking they can get you to back down. Stick to your bottom line, be firm, and follow through with your consequences because kids do much better with consistency.
Being strategic with your kids behavior may seem unconventional but could really help you out in a pinch. While some of these strategies may seem unlikely to work with your strong-willed child, there is nothing wrong with trying different methods to help both you and your adolescent get through the different stages of life.
Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center leads the way with progressive, evidence-based programming to most effectively treat each individual adolescent while focusing on the uniqueness of each client. Healing the mind, the body, and the spirit as one in the same can make the biggest difference in staying sober.
Call us today to start living in recovery:
662-598-4214