How to encourage good behavior in pre-teens and teenagers?
Good behavior in pre-teens and teenagers starts with positive communication and warm relationships. This lays the foundation for guiding your child’s behavior in a positive way.
Here are some practical tips for putting this positive approach into action.
Here are some practical tips for putting this positive approach into action.
Tips for Good Behavior
- Take time to actively listen
- Set clear rules about behaviour
- Broken rules: follow up calmly, firmly and consistently
- Encourage self-reflection
- Try to be a positive role model
- Choose your battles
- Take your child seriously
- Give your child responsibility
- Tackle problems in a positive way
- Praise your child
- Plan ahead for difficult conversations
- Keep ‘topping up’ your relationship
- Share your feelings
- Learn to live with mistakes
- Look for ways to stay connected
- Respect your child’s need for privacy
- Encourage a sense of belonging
- Keep promises
- Have realistic expectations
- Look for the funny side of things